Abstract :
[en] Background: Dermatophytoses are superficial skin mycoses caused by specialized keratinophilic filamentous fungi called dermatophytes,a group comprising various species that can infect humans and/or animals. With a global prevalence estimated at 25% of skin disorders and steadily increasing worldwide, dermatophyte infections represent a major public health concern. Given their widespread occurrence, zoonotic aspects, contagiousness, and emerging resistance to antifungals agents, elucidating the underlying mechanisms of dermatophyte infection has become essential. Current evidence indicates that dermatophyte pathogenicity involves a multistep infection process (adhesion, germination, and tissue invasion) driven by a complex arsenal of virulence factors. These include keratinolytic proteases, adhesion molecules, stress-response enzymes, secondary metabolites, and immune evasion mechanisms.
Aims: The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize current knowledge on virulence factors associated with dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Nannizzia, and Epidermophyton genera), highlight key mechanisms involved in the infection process, and identify knowledge gaps that could guide future research and therapeutic innovation.
Materials and Methods: This scoping review, conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, will synthesize primary studies on virulence factors of dermatophytes. Experimental research (in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo and in silico) providing original data on molecular mechanisms or host–pathogen interactions will be included. Literature will be searched in Medline, CAB Abstracts, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL, and screened independently by two reviewers in Covidence.
Conclusion: This review will offer a comprehensive summary of current data on dermatophyte virulence, thereby guiding future research directions and therapeutic innovation.
