Model systems for the study of dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte invasion of human keratin.

The study developed experimental models to simulate the invasion of human keratin by both dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte fungi, focusing on the stratum corneum, nails, and hair follicles. These models mimicked human disease and were used to assess the bioavailability of the antifungal drug terbinafine in keratinous substrates. The findings showed that terbinafine effectively prevented the invasion of keratin by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The models were deemed suitable for studying the mode of action of antifungal drugs in treating dermatomycoses.