Further observations on the keratinolytic activity of strains of the genus Epidermophyton.

This research explores the ability of different strains of the fungus Epidermophyton to break down keratin in hair, using two different testing procedures. While only certain strains are able to perform this function in some tests, others display this ability later or under modified conditions.

Research Focus

• This research primarily centers on observing the keratinolytic (keratin-breaking) activity of 17 different strains from the genus Epidermophyton—a type of fungus that might cause skin or nail infections.
• The study utilizes two testing procedures: one from Ajello and Georg, and a modified version of Lu’s method to examine the ability of these strains to perforate (penetrate) hair in lab conditions.

Ajello & Georg’s Test Procedure and Findings

• The study found that following the Ajello & Georg’s test procedure, only the strain Epidermophyton stockdaleae was able to perforate hair.
• Moreover, the strain Epidermophyton floccosum was able to sporadically penetrate horse hair.
• Researchers noted unusual types of perforations that occurred from the inside to the outside of the hair strand.

Modified Lu’s Test Procedure and Findings

• The second method employed was a modified version of Lu’s procedure.
• Using this technique, all the Epidermophyton strains tested were able to perforate hair, except for Epidermophyton floccosum var. nigricans in child hair.
• However, it was observed that Epidermophyton floccosum demonstrated this ability to perforate hair at a later stage as compared to Epidermophyton stockdaleae.

Conclusion

• The study underlines the variation in keratinolytic activity among different Epidermophyton strains under different testing conditions.
• Further study and detailed analysis are proposed to understand the mechanisms behind these variations and the implications they might have in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections.