The Role of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in Dermatophyte Infections: Exploring Cytokine Mediators and Immune Evasion Mechanisms | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology | ||||
| Volume 35, Issue 2, April 2026 | ||||
| Document Type: New and original researches in the field of Microbiology. | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejmm.2025.405650.1786 | ||||
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| Author | ||||
Zainab K. Abbas 
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| Department Of Microbiology, Faculty of medicine, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background; Dermatophyte infections, or dermatophytoses, are among the most common superficial fungal infections affecting keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. Objective: The aims of the study is to explore the role of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in dermatophyte infections by examining cytokine responses and identifying key immune evasion mechanisms involved in disease progression. Methodology: This case-control study was conducted from January to June 2024 at Mazaya University College in collaboration with Nasiriyah General Hospital. It included 100 patients with confirmed T. mentagrophytes dermatophytosis and 50 healthy controls. Samples were cultured on SDA and identified using microscopy, urea hydrolysis, and hair perforation tests. Serum cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ) were measured using ELISA kits, with optical density read at 450 nm to determine concentrations from standard curves. Results: The study reported no significant differences in age, gender, or residence between patients with Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection and healthy controls. However, patients showed significantly higher serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ compared to controls (p < 0.001), indicating a strong inflammatory and immune response. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α reflected active innate immunity, while elevated IFN-γ suggested cellular immune activation. The rise in IL-10 highlights regulatory immune mechanisms, possibly contributing to fungal immune evasion and host immune balance. Conclusions: Patients with T. mentagrophytes infection showed elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating strong immune activation. This reflects the host’s attempt to control infection while balancing inflammation, suggesting these cytokines may serve as biomarkers for disease activity and immune modulation. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Dermatophyte infections; Cytokines; Immune response | ||||
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