Adherence of dermatophyte microconidia and arthroconidia to human keratinocytes in vitro

The early interaction, adherence, between dermatophyte conidia and human keratinocytes has been studied in vitro. Two spore forms were used: microconidia and arthroconidia produced in vitro. The adherence of spores from three dermatophyte species, Trichophyton rubrum, T interdigitale, and T quinckeanum, was investigated using keratinocyte suspensions from different skin sites. Time-dependent adherence was demonstrated for all fungi studied with maximum adherence occurring between 3 and 4 h. There were no significant differences in adherence rates between the organisms studied. An order of affinity was established between keratinocytes from different sites and significant differences were demonstrated in adherence of microconidia to skin cells derived from sole versus knee. No differences in adherence rates were demonstrated in atopics versus patients with chronic dermatophytosis and normals. Adherence was inhibited, but not abolished, by subinhibitory concentrations of ketoconazole, itraconazole, and griseofulvin. The interaction between microconidia, arthroconidia, and keratinocytes was verified with scanning and transmission electron microscopy.