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Dermatophytosis, caused by Microsporum canis, is a superficial fungal infection that invade human and
animals' skin. It can be treated by topical and oral antifungal drugs. Nano-particles produced by chitosan
have appeared as promising vehicles for anti fungal delivery. They are able to enhance absorption by
increasing cellular permeability. Myrtus communis possess several pharmacologic, biological and
medical activities including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing
effects.
In this study, 24 male guinea pigs were infected by M. Canis (by traumatisation method) and treatment
was done using Terbinafine 1% cream vs Chitosan nanoparticles containing M. Communis essence.
Treatment duration was 40 days and it was started since 5 days post inoculation. Fourier Transform
Infrared Spectrometer and Surface Electron Microscopy were used to evaluate nanoessence. The average
of clinical score was calculated for each group. Microscopic examination and fungal culture of plucked
hairs and scraped scales were also observed.
Nanoparticles were around 150-200 nm. MIC ranges of Myrtus communis nano-essence were 4.2±0.2
μg/ml. The score in nano-essence group began to reduce in comparison with Terbinafine group at day 10.
This healing trend continued until day 40 of the treatment. Nano-essence comparing to non treatment
group treated the infection significantly (p<0.05). Comparing Terbinafine and the nano-essence group
with each other revealed a significant difference on days 10-25 (p<0.05). Three consecutive culture
results for all animals were negative on days 30, 37 and 44in treatment and negative control groups.
Nanoparticles in the range of around 200 nm enhanced absorption through hair follicles. Both
Terbinafine and Nano group showed a healing trend, however the pace of healing was higher in nano
group. The average of clinical score in nano VS Terbinafine group was not significantly different at the
beginning of the experiment (4.5 ± 0.2 VS 4.2±0.2) while this difference became significant through days
10-25. When the antifungal effects of nano-essence start, it is more potential for obviation of M.canis than
Terbinafine. Nano-essence comes in to action with a delay.
The findings reveal that the nano-essence treatment group showed improvement in clinical symptoms
faster than the Terbinafine treatment group while its efficacy starts with a delay.
Key words: nano-essence, Myrtus communis, Terbinafine, Microsporum canis and guinea- pig.