In vitro sensitivity of dermatophytes to urea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Urea is commonly used as a keratolytic substance in the treatment of onychomycoses to improve the penetration of antifungal drugs in the lesion sites. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inhibitory action of urea on samples of dermatophytes in vitro.

METHOD:

Minimum inhibitory concentration of urea was determined for 31 samples of dermatophytes cultured in Sabouraud-dextrose broth containing different concentrations (7.5% up to 40%) of urea. Absence of growth was the criterion adopted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration.

RESULTS:

The majority of samples (87%) were sensitive to urea at 12.5%, or less. 2 isolates of Trichophyton tonsurans and 2 of Trichophyton rubrum required 30%, and 40% urea, respectively, to be completely inhibited.

CONCLUSION:

In vitro results demonstrate inhibitory activity of urea on dermatophytes, suggesting that it could be used as an adjuvant in topical treatments.

• Authors: José Eduardo Costa Martins, Simone Miwa Corim, Giovanna Letícia Hernández Arriagada, Natalina Takahashi de Melo, Elisabeth Maria Heins
• Journal: Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) (Clinics (Sao Paulo)) Vol. 61 Issue 1 Pg. 9-14 (Feb 2006) ISSN: 1807-5932 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16532219 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents
• Culture Media
• Keratolytic Agents
• Urea

Topics

• Antifungal Agents (pharmacology)
• Culture Media
• Humans
• Keratolytic Agents (pharmacology)
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests
• Microsporum (drug effects)
• Trichophyton (drug effects)
• Urea (pharmacology)