DOI: 10.33631/sabd.1887657 ISSN: 2792-0542

In vitro Inhibition of Trichophyton rubrum by Cell-free Supernatants from Entomopathogenic Bacteria

Şebnem Hazal Gülşen
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Aim: Dermatophytosis is a global health concern that affects about a quarter of the population. With the emergence of terbinafine resistance in common species like Trichophyton rubrum, there is an urgent need to find novel antifungal compounds.Material and Methods: This study evaluates the potential of secondary metabolites from entomopathogenic bacteria, specifically Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus species as alternative therapeutic agents against dermatophytes. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) were prepared from four Xenorhabdus species (X. doucetiae, X. nematophila, X. budapestensis, X. szentirmaii) and one Photorhabdus species (P. luminescens). The anti-dermatophytic activity of these supernatants was tested at concentrations of 5%, 20%, and 30% (v/v) against Trichophyton rubrum (RSKK 486) using a mycelial plug growth assay on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Fungal growth inhibition was measured after 15 days of incubation at 30°C.Results: All tested bacterial CFS exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on T. rubrum. At a 30% concentration, X. doucetiae, X. szentirmaii, and X. budapestensis achieved complete or near-complete growth suppression of T. rubrum. Xenorhabdus budapestensis demonstrated the highest efficacy at lower concentrations (5% and 20%). In contrast, X. nematophila and P. luminescens showed significantly lower inhibitory activity and failed to achieve total suppression even at the highest tested concentration. Bacterial metabolites from Xenorhabdus species, particularly X. budapestensis, X. doucetiae, and X. szentirmaii, demonstrate potent antifungal activity.Conclusion: These findings suggest that these bacteria are promising sources for the development of new drug leads to combat resistant dermatophytosis.

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