In vitro susceptibility of seven antifungal agents against dermatophytes isolated in Istanbul

Background/aim: Dermatophytes are the causative agents of dermatophytosis, which is a common disease worldwide that affects the hair, skin, and nails. Dermatophytes comprise more than 40 species in 3 genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermaphyton. In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of seven antifungal agents: amphotericin B, terbinafine, itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and fluconazole. Materials and methods: A sensitivity study was performed using a microdilution method in accordance with the CLSI M38-A2 standards using isolates of Trichophyton rubrum (n = 55), Microsporum canis (n = 9), and Trichophyton interdigitale (n = 2), which were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA. Results: According to the results of antifungal sensitivity tests, the geometric mean (GM) minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against T. rubrum was 0.10 mu g/mL for ketoconazole, 0.20 mu g/mL for itraconazole, 0.07 mu g/mL for miconazole, 0.48 mu g/mL for fluconazole, 2.27 mu g/mL for amphotericin B, 0.06 mu g/mL for voriconazole, and 0.06 mu g/mL for terbinafine. Conclusion: The most effective antifungal drugs were voriconazole and terbinafine, both of which had a GM MIC of 0.06 mu g/mL.