Antifungal resistance of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes/Trichophyton interdigitale species complex: Insights from the China Antifungal Resistance Dermatophytes Surveillance network Study (CARDS)

• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20752
• Publication Date: 2025-05-24T08:30:02Z
• Authors: Xue Kong; Wenting Xie; Meng Fu; Peiying Feng; Zhihua Li; Hongfang Liu; Zhongsheng Tong; Palidae Abliz; Yanping Jiang; Lianjuan Yang; Jie Yang; Dongyun Jing; Hong Sang; Xinsuo Duan; Miaomiao Wang; Guan Jiang; Cunwei Cao; Yan Cui; Qing Cai; Zhengbang Dong; Bilin Dong; Jiacheng Dong; Ying Gao; Yanyang Guo; Naicen Ge; Suquan Hu; Wei Liu; Fuqiu Li; Zehu Liu; Meirong Li; Sha Lu; Jia Liu; Wanglan Luo; Huan Mei; Dongmei Shi; Chao Tang; Chong Wang; Ying Wang; Xiaopeng Wang; Xiaodong Wang; Zhenmou Xie; Siping Zhang; Min Zhu; Yu Zhang; Xiaoli Zhang; Jing Zhang; Ping Zhan; Hailin Zheng; Xiaodong She; Xiaofang Li; Guanzhao Liang; Weida Liu
• Keywords: Terbinafine; Dermatophyte; Tinea Capitis

Abstract Background Dermatophytosis caused by the Trichophyton mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex (TMTISC) has attracted global attention, with increasing reports of terbinafine‐resistant T. indotineae in China. Objectives This study aims to evaluate epidemiological features antifungal‐resistant TMTISC China and monitor prevalence . Methods A total 230 strains were isolated from nine tertiary hospitals across three economic regions These isolates identified through molecular sequencing phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was performed for eight drugs, following EUCAST 11.0 protocol. Mutations squalene epoxidase ( SQLE ) gene detected. Results The tree revealed that 120 (52.17%) mentagrophytes , 92 (40.0%) 18 (7.83%) Eight different genotypes identified, including TM‐IX, which predominant China, along two newly discovered genotypes, TM‐XXX TM‐XXXI. Among isolates, tinea faciei (44.17%) common clinical type, primarily central region. mainly found onychomycosis (36.96%), commonly corporis (94.44%) cruris (55.56%). AFST showed all susceptible terbinafine [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) < 0.125 mg/L] voriconazole (MICs 0.5 mg/L). All resistant (0.25 >4.0 mg/L), exhibiting a single amino acid substitution (Phe397Leu, Leu393Ser or Phe415Cys). elevated MICs observed itraconazole, miconazole, ciclopirox (1–2 mg/L) griseofulvin (1–64 Conclusions predominantly composed followed rising trend reduced azoles multi‐drug resistance among been