The effect of imidazoles on germination of arthrospores and microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes

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Abstract
The effects of imidazole antifungal drugs on germination of Trichophyton mentagrophytes microconidia and arthrospores were investigated. A Coulter Counter was used to estimate spore swelling and microscopy to assess germ-tube formation. Both spore forms germinated in SLM, pH 6, at 32°C and these conditions were used as a control. The inhibition of spore germination by imidazoles was concentration dependent and required higher drug levels than MICs. There was good correlation between reduction in swelling and inhibition of germ-tube formation. In order to produce >90% reduction of germ-tube formation higher concentrations of imidazole were necessary for arthrospores than for microconidia. There was no clear difference in potency of imidazoles except for ketoconazole which was markedly less effective. No increase in sensitivity of microconidia to miconazole was observed with time of addition during the initial 3 h of germination. Although the inhibitory effect of miconazole on swelling of microconidia was partially reduced in the presence of Mg++, germ-tube formation was not altered.

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