The local cell composition of skin infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum (13 cases) and Microsporum canis (2 cases) was examined using monoclonal antibodies and the ABC immunoperoxidase technique. The number of Langerhans cells increased both in the epithelium and in the dermis of the mycotic area. Apart from these, only T cells were found in the dermis, among which helper cells were predominant. The helper/suppressor ratio showed variations depending upon the pathogen.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Long-term post-treatment follow-up of onychomycosis treated with terbinafine: a multicentre trial.

Between 1991 and 1993, 32 cases of fingernail mycosis and 20 cases of toenail mycosis caused by dermatophytes were treated with terbinafine. For 8 weeks, 250 mg of terbinafine was given daily for fingernail infections, and for 12 weeks the same dose was given for toenail involvement; the short-term follow-up was 24 and 48 weeks respectively. A long-term follow-up was performed twice, initially at 24 and then at 48 months after the end of the treatment. For fingernail mycosis, the mycological cure rate was 100% at the end of month 24 and 91% at the end of month 48. Mycological cultures gave negative results in toenail infections in 90% after 24 months and in 86% after 48 months. After 24 months, 23 out of 26 patients (88%) with fingernail and 17 out of 20 patients (95%) with toenail mycosis were clinically cured. After 48 months, 20 out of 22 cases (91%) with fingernail and 10 out of 14 cases (71%) with toenail involvement showed a complete cure.

Adult↗