The skin is the body’s largest organ. It serves as a habitat for microbial communities and as the body’s first line of defence against harmful environmental factors and pathogenic microorganisms. It is not only a physical barrier, but also a dynamic system composed of the skin’s resident immune system, which is essential for controlling infections, repairing damage and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Dermatophytoses (ringworm), one of the most common skin infections in humans, is the fourth leading cause of disease, with an estimated global prevalence of 20–25% in healthy populations.

These infections are caused by filamentous fungi that were originally decomposers of keratin in soil, but later adapted to parasitise the keratinized tissues of mammals. Consequently, dermatophytosis is characterized by the superficial invasion of the skin, hair, and nails by fungal hyphae, resulting in subacute or chronic infections with varying degrees of inflammation in immunocompetent individuals.

Despite the incidence of these superficial mycoses in healthy individuals, and compelling evidence of chronic and deep infections in immunocompromized individuals, the mechanisms controlling dermatophyte invasion of the skin are poorly understood. In recent years, the association between certain primary immunodeficiencies and susceptibility to severe dermatophytosis, along with evidence provided by novel experimental models that mimic human disease, has significantly contributed to our understanding of the fundamental immune mechanisms involved in combating dermatophytes.

As a full-service CRO specializing in microbiology and preclinical infectious disease research, Creative Diagnostics recognizes the invaluable nature of animal models for studying human diseases given that there are hundreds of pathogens that affect both humans and animals. Using laboratory animals in biomedical research is key to developing new methods of prevention and treatment for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Creative Diagnostics’ experienced team of professionals can provide standardized in vivo predictive models for dermatophytosis diseases to support drug discovery and therapeutic efficacy studies requiring development and validation.

Creative Diagnostics offers services for developing animal models for dermatophytosis disease and can provide clients with various strains, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. Model types include tinea corporis, tinea pedis and tinea unguium. Animal species available include crested mice, BALB/c, AKR, C3H, DBA/2, CBA×DBA/2 F1, CBA and C57BL/6 mice, as well as nude mice, rabbits, chickens and guinea pigs.

The process for developing dermatomycosis models at Creative Diagnostics includes establishing the animal model, administering antifungal treatment, conducting clinical evaluations, and carrying out mycological assessments, including microscopy, culturing, and histopathology.

For more information about Creative Diagnostics' Dermatophytosis Model services or to request a project consultation, please visit https://antiviral.creative-diagnostics.com/dermatophytosis-model.html.

About Creative Diagnostics

Headquartered in New York, Creative Diagnostics is a consulting and experimental service provider specializing in virology and microbiology. The company provides comprehensive solutions to conquer obstacles in virology and microbiology research, from high-security infrastructure provision, biosafety regulation elucidation, to expert viral system assistance.