Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Biofilms are sessile microbial communities surrounded by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host defences. Detection of biofilm by easy lab method is essential. Characterization of biofilms formed by dermatophytes may contribute to the search of new drugs which can break down biofilm for the effective treatment of these mycoses. Aim of study: To study biofilm production by dermatophytes. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, D.Y. Patil Hospital and Research centre, Kadamwadi, Kolhapur. Sample Size for the study was 50. The duration of Study was 1 year. Fifty clinically suspected samples with dermatophytosis were included. Biofilm production of dermatophytes was detected by tube method. Biofilm formation was considered positive when a visible film lined the wall and the bottom of the tube. Results: 22 out of 50 samples were found KOH positive. Out of 50 samples 28 (56%) dermatophytes species were isolated. Most common isolate was T.rubrum (12%), followed by T.mantographyte (10%). Conclusion: T.rubrum, T.mantographyte and E.floccosum are common dermatophyte causing dermatophytosis and T.rubrum, T.mantographyteare also capable to produce biofilm. Major group of dermatophytes which are associated with skin infection are able to produce biofilm that may interfere with treatment.
Keywords: Biofilms, Dermatophytes, Fungal infection.