Ozone gas effectively kills laboratory strains of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes using an in vitro test system

Abstract

Background: Ozone gas possesses antimicrobial potential against many microorganisms, however limited data exist on its effect on the keratinophilic dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes; two organisms commonly isolated as the etiological agent in onychomycosis and tinea pedis patients. Objective/methods: We utilized a commercial ozone gas generation device for testing the fungicidal effects of ozone on ATCC strains of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Results:We demonstrated that ozone gas is effective in killing > 99% of viable fungi present in various experimental systems. Conclusion: This work represents a proof of principle regarding ozone gas and its fungicidal effect on dermatophyte fungi. From these findings, further ozone gas studies will be conducted to develop a novel adjunct therapy for use in parallel with current antifungal medications and/or devices to better treat onychomycosis and tinea pedis patients in the short and long term.

Key words::

• dermatophytes
• fungicidal
• onychomycosis
• tinea pedis

Acknowledgements

We thank Steve Silver for providing a prototype ozone delivery device, as well as for his invaluable advice and input regarding potential technological adaptation of this device throughout our studies.