Microsporum gypseum: Difference between revisions

The pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the fungi are due to either the presence of substances on the surface of the fungi, or substances released by the fungi.<ref name=singforme/> These can include: surface [[Fungal adhesin|adhesin]]s, [[Mannan (polysaccharide)|mannan]]s, enzymes such as [[proteinases]], [[peptidase]]s, [[DNase]]s, and [[lipase]]s.<ref name=singforme/> The extracellular proteases released assist the fungus in invading the host skin barrier (keratin rich) with the presence of [[keratinase]] (keratinolytic activity increases).<ref name=singforme/> They then use the proteases to enhance their survival by chemically or physically altering the environment to their benefit by digesting the host proteins, thus providing themselves with nutrition. These [[protease]]s are found in all stages of growth (lag to declining) but peak at the mid log phase. These proteases are determined to be secreted during the lag phase of growth as they are secreted without the presence of host related proteins. It is assumed that the regulation and secretion of these enzymes is in part due to other differently regulated enzymes.<ref name=singforme/> Keratinolytic activity is also determined to be indicative of pathogenetic potential.<ref name=singforme/> Excessive exogenous carbohydrates such as glucose have been found to play a recessive role in protease release, as the presence of [[glucose]] decreases the amount of keratin hydrolyzed.<ref name=singforme/> The presence of hormones such as [[progesterone]] have also been seen to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of dermatophytes.<ref name=kwon-chung1992 />