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Dermatophytosis in cattle is most often caused by infection with Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum), but also with Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) and others, regardless of the geographical zone. The infection is transmitted through direct contact between animals as well as infected environmental elements. The human-to-human transmission of fungal infection is also possible.. This retrospective study was conducted based on a detailed analysis of the results of the mycological examination and medical documentation of 40 patients from Greater Poland, diagnosed with cattle-to-human dermatophytoses from March 2017 to November 2023. T. verrucosum accounted for 97.5% of infections and T. mentagrophytes for 2.5%; no other species of dermatophytes from cattle were found. Superficial skin mycosis in humans associated with cattle was more often diagnosed in small children and men directly engaged in cattle breeding. The dominant etiological factor of the superficial fungal skin infection was T. verrucosum, which mainly affected the scalp in children and upper limbs in adult men. In relation to the cattle population in Greater Poland, the number of cases of superficial skin mycoses among cattle breeders and their family members over the period of more than six and a half years of observation does not seem to be high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review presents a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of pityriasis versicolor (PV), a common superficial fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia. PV is characterised by scaly hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches, primarily affecting the upper trunk, neck, and upper arms. Regarding commensal interactions, Malassezia utilises nutrient sources without affecting the human host. In cases of pathogenicity, Malassezia can directly harm the host via virulence factors or toxins, or indirectly by triggering damaging host responses. The diagnosis typically relies on recognising characteristic clinical features. Due to the wide variability in its clinical presentation, recognising the differential diagnosis is critical. In this paper, we discuss the clinical differentials, with their dermatoscopic presentation, but also describe a range of helpful diagnostic techniques (microscopy, conventional and ultraviolet-induced fluorescence dermatoscopy, and confocal microscopy). Topical therapies are the primary treatment for PV, encompassing non-specific antifungal agents like sulphur with salicylic acid, selenium sulphide 2.5%, and zinc pyrithione. Additionally, specific topical antifungal medications with either fungicidal or fungistatic properties may also be incorporated into the topical treatment regimen, such as imidazoles, allylamines, and ciclopirox olamine. Systemic therapies might occasionally be used. Patient education and the promotion of good personal hygiene are pivotal to reduce the risk of recurrence. In recurrent cases, particularly during warmer and more humid periods, prolonged prophylaxis with topical agents should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to increasing resistance of pathogenic fungi to antifungal treatments, new types of drugs are needed. For this purpose, active substances with antifungal properties occurring in natural compounds should be considered. The herb Psephellus bellus shows strong antifungal activity and is characterized by unique guaianolides, which have an ester on C-2. Thus, a specialized method of isolation and testing was applied to assess the pharmacological effects of these guaianolides. After phytochemical analysis (chromatography and spectral methods), selected lipophilic compounds and the herb extract of this species containing 26 sesquiterpene lactones were tested. The antifungal effect of the herbal compounds was determined on clinical strains of fungi Candida, Rhodotorula, Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Scopulariopsis using a diffusion test. The MTT assay was employed to study the cytotoxic effects of the extract against human fibroblasts. Statistical analysis was performed. All analyzed compounds exhibited antifungal activity in cultivations suitable for assessment. Most lipophilic cebellins from Psephellus bellus prevent the growth of most fungal strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]