Susceptibility Patterns of Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Trichophyton rubrum on Selected Topical Antifugal and Agents without Specific Antifungal Properties

Investigations to ascertain the effects of different brands of topical antifungal and other selected agents without specific antimicrobial properties was carried out using punch hole diffusion method to determine the susceptibility of dermatophytes to different brands of topical antifungal and other substances that their antifungal potentials are unknown. The agents were subjected to Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration. Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Trichophyton rubrum were subjected to twelve brands of topical anti-fungal agents (Betrosil, Fungbact-A, Fluzec-NM, 3G, Miracute, Mycoten, Mycozoral, Nixoderm, Quadriclear, Skineal, Tribotan and Tydineal) and four other selected agents without specific antimicrobial functions namely Close up toothpaste, Dabur, Herbal toothpaste, hydraulic fluid and shea butter. There was statistically significant difference (P 0.05) between Quadriclear, Miracute, Tydineal, Betrosil, Mycoten, Funbact-A, Fluzec-NM and Tribotan and their actions were fungicidal. There was no significant difference (P 0.05) between Skineal, mycozoral, 3G and Nixoderm, though they were fungistatic. Statistically there was significant difference (P 0.05) between Hydraulic fluid and other selected agents without specific antimicrobial functions. Hydraulic fluid showed fungicidal activity on these two dermatophytes. This work supports the use of topical antifungal creams in the treatment of dermatophytoses. Topical use of hydraulic fluid should be discouraged, because prolong use may be harmful though highly effective and fungicidal against dermatophytes.