Effect of infection with Trichophyton mentagrophytes varietas interdigitale on phagocytosis in humans

[[[ Background and aim: ]]] Phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) and macrophages is important in the defence of human organisms, especially in mycotic infections of the skin. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between phagocytosis and a chronic type of infection with Trichophyton mentagrophytes varietas interdigitale (T. m. var. interdig.). [[[ Materials and methods: ]]] A group of 256 patients was investigated from 1990 to 2000. They were all treated with terbinafine. The parameters for phagocytosis were analysed by the Hersy method. [[[ Results: ]]] The immunological status of all of the patients was altered. Ingestion, digestion and random mobility decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Out of 256 patients treated with terbinafine, 196 (76%) were cured completely and the values for phagocytosis became normal. [[[ Conclusion: ]]] This investigation confirms the defect in the function of phagocytes of patients chronically infected by T. m. var. interdig. Terbinafine was shown to be an effective antimycotic drug, both fungicidal and immunostimulative.