Dermatophytosis historical perspective
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Dermatophytosis was first described by David Gruby, a Hungarian physician, in 1841. Before Gruby, various scientists described lesions which were ring-like, and were thought to be infective. The description of lesions dates back to the Roman era. Around 1890, Raimond Sabouraud advanced knowledge of dermatomycology by studying extensively into the taxonomy, morphology, and treatment of dermatophytes, even classifying these fungal agents into four genera (three of which are still current to mycologists). Dermatophytosis has been prevalent since before 1906, at which time ringworm was treated with compounds of mercury or sometimes sulfur or iodine. Hairy areas of skin were considered too difficult to treat, so the scalp was treated with x-rays and followed up with antiparasitic medication.
Historical Perspective
- In 30 A.D. Aulus Cornelius Celsus, the Roman encyclopedist, who in his 'De Re Medicina' described a suppurative infection of the scalp that later was called kerion of Celsus.[1]
- The term tinea was first used for a moth of the clothes because the holes made by moths in woolen garments are circular and dermatophyte lesions are ring-like on smooth skin.
- In the 16th century, the term 'ringworm' for these infections was used. This term described the form of the lesion and relates it to the Roman tinea.
- In the 19th century, the fungal etiology of ringworm was deciphered and described by various scientists like Robert Remak, Johann L. Schönlein, and David Gruby.
- In 1835, Remak observed microscopic structures from crusts of favic lesions (favus is ringworm of the scalp).
- Schönlein identified the specimen having fungal origin.
- Remak ultimately describes the fungi as Achorion schöenleinii
- In 1841, David Gruby confirmed the work of Remark and described various types of fungal infections, for example, tinea favosa, ectothrix and endothrix trichophytosis and microsporiosis.[2]
- Independently of Remak and Schönlein, Gruby published papers from 1841 to 1844 about the about the cause and nature of Favus, significantly expanding the understanding of dermatophytosis.
- Around 1890, Raimond Sabouraud advanced knowledge of dermatomycology by studying extensively into the taxonomy, morphology, and treatment of dermatophytes, even classifying these fungal agents into four genera (three of which are still current to mycologists).[3]
- Sabouraud developed a medium for culturing dermatophytes that, after a few modifications, is even still used today and is named, Sabouraud glucose agar.
- In the year 1886 cultures of the dermatophytes were independently achieved for the first time.
- By the year 1935 more than 118 species of dermatophytes had been described and classified into nine genera.
Landmark Events in the Development of Treatment Strategies
- In 1906,dermatophytosis was treated with compounds of mercury or sometimes sulfur or iodine. Hairy areas of skin were considered too difficult to treat, so the scalp was treated with x-rays and followed up with antiparasitic medication.
- A variety of fungicides including griseofulvin, tolnaftate, haloprogin, and allylamines have been used to fight dermatophytosis in the last 100 years.
- Although some species have almost eradicated from humankind, for example, T. schoenleinii, M. audouinii, and M. ferrugineum, other species have begun to show resistance to drug therapy in the last 30 years.
Impact on Cultural History
Famous Cases
References
- ↑ Ajello L (1974). "Natural history of the dermatophytes and related fungi". Mycopathol Mycol Appl. 53 (1): 93–110. PMID 4610379.
- ↑ Ajello L (1974). "Natural history of the dermatophytes and related fungi". Mycopathol Mycol Appl. 53 (1): 93–110. PMID 4610379.
- ↑ Ajello L (1974). "Natural history of the dermatophytes and related fungi". Mycopathol Mycol Appl. 53 (1): 93–110. PMID 4610379.