Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Nanobiotechnology, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/cmm.2025.345342.1604
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is a highly contagious fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, like Microsporum canis, which primarily affects cats and dogs and poses a significant zoonotic threat. Increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains complicates the treatment of M. canis infections, necessitating the exploration of new therapeutic approaches. Nanotechnology, particularly copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), has emerged as a promising solution due to its potent antimicrobial properties and potential to overcome resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of CuO NPs against M. canis isolates collected from companion animals. The goal was to develop more effective treatment options for dermatophytosis, addressing the need for alternative therapies and the challenge of antifungal resistance.
Materials and Methods: CuO NPs were synthesized using a green chemistry approach, employing Eichhornia crassipes leaf extract. Concurrently, M. canis isolates were obtained from infected animals and cultured for purity. Antifungal activity of the CuO NPs against the isolates was assessed through disk diffusion and microdilution tests, and the results were statistically analyzed to confirm their significance.
Results: The synthesized CuO NPs exhibited high purity, small size, and cubic morphology. Statistical analysis of the disk diffusion and microdilution tests confirmed the significant antifungal efficacy of CuO NPs against M. canis isolates (ANOVA, p<0.05). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 500 to 1,000 ppm, while minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were between 1,000 and 2,000 ppm. Average MFC/MIC ratio of 2.6, confirmed through paired t-test (p=0.003), demonstrated the fungicidal properties of the CuO NPs.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the potent antifungal capabilities of CuO NPs against M. canis, marking them as a promising alternative to conventional treatments. With further optimization and research, CuO NPs could revolutionize the management of dermatophytosis, offering a new frontier in combating drug-resistant fungal infections.
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