In vitro evaluation of the potential of chitosan

Onychomycoses are frequent, contagious, benign and chronic fungal infections of the nails. Dermatophytes are considered the most common pathogens. Onychomycoses are often observed at an advanced age and stage, making treatment long and difficult. In this context, the main aim of the study was to produce an FDA-approved biopolymer, chitosan, from the Rhizopus oryzae strain. Then, to test its antifungal activity on the species responsible for onychomycosis in Constantine. 298 samples of infected nails were taken at the CHUC and analyzed using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods (RT-PCR). Results showed that T.rubrum was the predominant species. However, a variant of this species was identified for the first time in Algeria, namely T.rubrum var. raubitschekii. In addition, the demonstration of antifungal activity on the species most incriminated in onychomycosis revealed a significant effect, with MICs of 2.5, 1.25 and 0.62 mg/ml respectively on T. rubrum, T.rubrum var. raubitschekii and T.interdigitale.