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Gnesotto L, Cannata GE, Pavan G, Naldi L, Sechi A. CO 2 Laser-Assisted Nail Sampling for Mycological Testing in Onychomycosis. Skin Appendage Disord 2024; 10:215-219. [PMID: 38835715 PMCID: PMC11147519 DOI: 10.1159/000536289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Onychomycosis is the most common nail infection, predominantly caused by Trichophyton spp., and is divided into four main types. Confirmatory testing is crucial, but obtaining an adequate sample may be challenging. We suggest the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for painlessly detaching the nail plate during mycological examination and ensuring a sufficient specimen. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 25 patients with distolateral onychomycosis, treated according to the following protocol: (1) multiple passes of CO2 laser at 10 W in continuous mode along the proximal border of the affected nail plate; (2) the nail plate was gently cut; (3) the nail bed was curetted; (4) subungual debris and plate fragments were collected for KOH test and culture. Results The mean visual analog score (VAS) for pain experienced during the procedure was 0.7 (SD: 2.1), indicating that the sampling was relatively painless for the majority of patients. There were no permanent changes observed in the nail unit of any patients during the follow-up visits as a result of using the CO2 laser. Conclusion We firmly believe that the use of lasers offers numerous advantages, including ease of use, reduced pain perception, and the ability to target the proximal margin of fungal infections where viable hyphae are significantly represented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gnesotto
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Naldi
- Dermatology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Sechi
- Dermatology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
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Gupta AK, Wang T, Polla Ravi S, Mann A, Bamimore MA. Global prevalence of onychomycosis in general and special populations: An updated perspective. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13725. [PMID: 38606891 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis is a chronic nail disorder commonly seen by healthcare providers; toenail involvement in particular presents a treatment challenge. OBJECTIVE To provide an updated estimate on the prevalence of toenail onychomycosis. METHODS We conducted a literature search using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. Studies reporting mycology-confirmed diagnoses were included and stratified into (a) populations-based studies, and studies that included (b) clinically un-suspected and (c) clinically suspected patients. RESULTS A total of 108 studies were included. Based on studies that examined clinically un-suspected patients (i.e., with or without clinical features suggestive of onychomycosis), the pooled prevalence rate of toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes was 4% (95% CI: 3-5) among the general population; special populations with a heightened risk include knee osteoarthritis patients (RR: 14.6 [95% CI: 13.0-16.5]), chronic venous disease patients (RR: 5.6 [95% CI: 3.7-8.1]), renal transplant patients (RR: 4.7 [95% CI: 3.3-6.5]), geriatric patients (RR: 4.7 [95% CI: 4.4-4.9]), HIV-positive patients (RR: 3.7 [95% CI: 2.9-4.7]), lupus erythematosus patients (RR: 3.1 [95% CI: 1.2-6.3]), diabetic patients (RR: 2.8 [95% CI: 2.4-3.3]) and hemodialysis patients (RR: 2.8 [95% CI: 1.9-4.0]). The prevalence of onychomycosis in clinically suspected patients was significantly higher likely due to sampling bias. A high degree of variability was found in a limited number of population-based studies indicating that certain pockets of the population may be more predisposed to onychomycosis. The diagnosis of non-dermatophyte mould onychomycosis requires repeat sampling to rule out contaminants or commensal organisms; a significant difference was found between studies that performed single sampling versus repeat sampling. The advent of PCR diagnosis results in improved detection rates for dermatophytes compared to culture. CONCLUSION Onychomycosis is an underrecognized healthcare burden. Further population-based studies using standardized PCR methods are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto School of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
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Gupta AK, Wang T, Cooper EA, Summerbell RC, Piguet V, Tosti A, Piraccini BM. A comprehensive review of nondermatophyte mould onychomycosis: Epidemiology, diagnosis and management. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:480-495. [PMID: 38010049 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Nondermatophyte moulds (NDMs) are widely distributed and can be detected in association with mycotic nails; however, sometimes it can be challenging to establish the role of NDMs in the pathogenesis of onychomycosis (i.e. causative vs. contaminant). In studies where the ongoing invasive presence of NDMs is confirmed through repeat cultures, the global prevalence of NDMs in onychomycosis patients is estimated at 6.9% with the 3 most common genus being: Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis and Fusarium. NDM onychomycosis can, in many cases, appear clinically indistinguishable from dermatophyte onychomycosis. Clinical features suggestive of NDMs include proximal subungual onychomycosis with paronychia associated with Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, as well as superficial white onychomycosis in a deep and diffused pattern associated with Aspergillus and Fusarium. Longitudinal streaks seen in patients with distal and lateral onychomycosis may serve as an additional indicator. For diagnosis, light microscopic examination should demonstrate fungal filaments consistent with an NDM with at least two independent isolations in the absence of a dermatophyte; the advent of molecular testing combined with histological assessment may serve as an alternative with improved sensitivity and turnover time. In most instances, antifungal susceptibility testing has limited value. Information on effective treatments for NDM onychomycosis is relatively scarce, unlike the situation in the study of dermatophyte onychomycosis. Terbinafine and itraconazole therapy (continuous and pulsed) appear effective to varying extents for treating onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus, Fusarium or Scopulariopsis. There is scant literature on oral treatments for Neoscytalidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Richard C Summerbell
- Sporometrics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vincent Piguet
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Fredric Brandt Endowed Professor of Dermatology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Gupta AK, Wang T, Cooper EA, Lincoln SA, Foreman HC, Scherer WP, Bakotic WL. Clinical Diagnosis and Laboratory Testing of Abnormal Appearing Toenails: A Retrospective Assessment of Confirmatory Testing for Onychomycosis in the United States, 2022-2023. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:149. [PMID: 38392821 PMCID: PMC10890116 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is an under-recognized healthcare burden. Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, confirmatory laboratory testing is under-utilized. Histopathologic examination with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently the most effective diagnostic method; it offers direct detection and identification of a fungal invasion. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed confirmatory testing results, with matching clinical diagnoses, in 96,293 nail specimens submitted during a 9-month period from 2022 to 2023. Toenail specimens were examined using fungal culture, histopathology and/or PCR. Clinical diagnoses were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. For clinically diagnosed onychomycosis patients, the overall positivity rate was 59.4%; a similar positivity rate (59.5%) was found in patients with clinically diagnosed non-fungal nail dystrophy. Performing a histopathologic examination with PCR was more likely to provide pathogen identification results than using fungal culture. Male patients had a higher rate of onychomycosis overall; however, female patients had more non-dermatophyte mold onychomycosis caused by Aspergillus. Clinically diagnosed onychomycosis patients with a co-diagnosis of tinea pedis were more likely to test positive for onychomycosis by PCR (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-6.4), histopathology (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.0-3.1) and fungal culture (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5-6.6). Our results support the use of confirmatory laboratory testing when there is a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, ON N5X 2P1, Canada
| | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, ON N5X 2P1, Canada
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Gupta AK, Elewski B, Joseph WS, Lipner SR, Daniel CR, Tosti A, Guenin E, Ghannoum M. Treatment of onychomycosis in an era of antifungal resistance: Role for antifungal stewardship and topical antifungal agents. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13683. [PMID: 38214375 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of literature has marked the emergence and spread of antifungal resistance among species of Trichophyton, the most prevalent cause of toenail and fingernail onychomycosis in the United States and Europe. We review published data on rates of oral antifungal resistance among Trichophyton species; causes of antifungal resistance and methods to counteract it; and in vitro data on the role of topical antifungals in the treatment of onychomycosis. Antifungal resistance among species of Trichophyton against terbinafine and itraconazole-the two most common oral treatments for onychomycosis and other superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes-has been detected around the globe. Fungal adaptations, patient characteristics (e.g., immunocompromised status; drug-drug interactions), and empirical diagnostic and treatment patterns may contribute to reduced antifungal efficacy and the development of antifungal resistance. Antifungal stewardship efforts aim to ensure proper antifungal use to limit antifungal resistance and improve clinical outcomes. In the treatment of onychomycosis, critical aspects of antifungal stewardship include proper identification of the fungal infection prior to initiation of treatment and improvements in physician and patient education. Topical ciclopirox, efinaconazole and tavaborole, delivered either alone or in combination with oral antifungals, have demonstrated efficacy in vitro against susceptible and/or resistant isolates of Trichophyton species, with low potential for development of antifungal resistance. Additional real-world long-term data are needed to monitor global rates of antifungal resistance and assess the efficacy of oral and topical antifungals, alone or in combination, in counteracting antifungal resistance in the treatment of onychomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Mediprobe Research Inc., London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boni Elewski
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Warren S Joseph
- Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - C Ralph Daniel
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Eric Guenin
- Ortho Dermatologics (a division of Bausch Health US, LLC), Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mahmoud Ghannoum
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Navarro-Pérez D, García-Oreja S, Tardáguila-García A, León-Herce D, Álvaro-Afonso FJ, Lázaro-Martínez JL. Microbiological culture combined with PCR for the diagnosis of onychomycosis: Descriptive analysis of 121 patients. Mycoses 2023; 66:1045-1049. [PMID: 37574461 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onychomycosis is the most common nail pathology, involving various pathogens such as dermatophytes, moulds and yeasts. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to observe the prevalence of onychomycosis, analyse the most appropriate diagnostic test, and assess the distribution of pathogens based on age, sex, quarter of the year, duration of symptoms and previous treatment. METHODS Retrospectively, mycological culture and PCR data and results were collected from 121 patients. RESULTS Of the 121 samples, 57% (69/121) tested positive when both microbiological study techniques were combined. The prevalence of onychomycosis was higher when PCR was performed (52.1%) compared to microbiological culture (33.1%). Among the 81 samples negative by microbiological culture, 31 were positive by PCR. Similarly, of the 58 samples negative by PCR, eight were positive by microbiological culture. Diagnostic accuracy data (with 95% confidence intervals) for PCR, using microbiological culture as the gold standard, were as follows: sensitivity of 0.8, specificity of 0.62, positive predictive value of 0.51 and negative predictive value of 0.86. The most frequently identified pathogen was Trichophyton rubrum, and the hallux nail plate was the most commonly affected location. However, no statistically significant associations were found between sex, age, quarter of the year and affected area with culture and PCR results. CONCLUSION Combining microbiological culture and PCR can increase the detection rate of onychomycosis and help avoid false-negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Navarro-Pérez
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara García-Oreja
- Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aroa Tardáguila-García
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego León-Herce
- Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
- Diabetic Foot Unit, Clínica Universitaria de Podología, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
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