Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Activity Against Non-dermatophyte Molds Causing Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that caused by different types of fungi. Non-dermatophyte molds are a large saprophytic fungi group that live in nature and could affect traumatic nails. The aim of this study was to identify non-dermatophyte molds causing onychomycosis and evaluation of several antifungal activities against the isolates. The samples consisted of 50 non-dermatophyte molds isolated from patients with onychomycosis confirmed by direct and culture examination fungal. DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced. Disk diffusion method was used to evaluate itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, posaconazole, and econazole activity against the isolates. The species identified as: Aspergillus flavus 22 (44%), A. niger 12 (24%), A. fumigates, 3 (6%), A. sydowii 3 (6%), A. terreus 1 (2%), Penicillium commune 2 (4%), P. glabrum 2 (4%), P. chrysogenum, 1 (2%), Fusarium solani 3 (6%) and F. thapsinum 1 (2%). Most of the samples were sensitive to terbinafine, itraconazole, and econazole and 94% of the isolates were resistant to fluconazole. This study showed that Aspergillus species were the most common cause of non-dermatophyte mold onychomycosis and fluconazole was the most resistant antifungals. Care must be taken to choose the appropriate antifungal drug for a better cure.