Optimization of a Murine Infection Model With Trichophyton Mentagrophytes for Studying the Pathogenesis of Dermatophytosis

This study aimed to optimize a murine infection model using the Trichophyton mentagrophytes strain TIMM 2789, specific to rodents, to study dermatophytosis pathogenesis. The research highlighted the importance of selecting the appropriate dermatophyte strain for experimental models. The infection in mice induced symptoms typical of acute superficial dermatophytosis, including hair follicle invasion. The study found that the host's immune response involved Th1, Th2, and Th17 pathways, and emphasized the role of iron acquisition during infection. Interestingly, the fungal gene SUB6 was not necessary for virulence, suggesting a compensatory role for SUB5. The findings underscore the need for careful strain selection in dermatophytosis research.