Role of biofilm in the pathogenesis of dermatophytosis and development of combat strategies

Abstract

The biofilm formation by microorganisms and their potential damage to health have been gaining prominence in recent years once they are communities resistant to antimicrobials and adverse environmental conditions. The description of filamentous fungi, especially dermatophytes as able to survive in communities is recent and may be related to the long time treatment, resistance to some antifungal dugs and common relapses to this type mycosis, particularly in the case of onychomycosis. Although many factors are clarified, the pathogenesis of these fungal infections has not yet been completely unraveled and knowledge of the involvement of biofilms in the pathogenesis mechanism is still incipient. On the other hand, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of the search of new and effective molecules against these communities of microorganisms. These molecules must also have reduced toxicity, since higher concentrations are required to achieve resistance mechanisms and new targets of action. This project aims to study molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation by dermatophytes and to evaluate the potential of new drugs against these communities. It is intended to identify possible T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes genes differentially expressed in the initial phase of development and maturation of the communities, comparing to differences in post-infection gene expression. In addition, studies will be performed in order to evolve a molecule derived from protocatecuic acid, with broad antifungal spectrum and potent against biofilms to an antifungal drug, through the incorporation to nanosystems and conducting biochemical and molecular tests to unveil its mechanism of action.