Investigations in Vitro on Fungistatic Effect of Griseofulvin on Dermatophytes in Combination With Dimethysulfoxide

Abstract

Investigations were performed regarding the fungistatic effect of griseofulvin in combination with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on different dermatophyte species in various concentrations. It was found that the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of DMSO ranged from 5—9% DMSO. T. violaceum was inhibited in concentrations between 5,2—5,8% of DMSO but for inhibition of T. schoenleini an average concentration of 9% was necessary.

The sensitivity of these two species of dermatophytes to griseofulvin was in opposite order: T. schoenleini strains being more sensitive than those of T. violaceum. It is supposed therefore that a different mode of action is involved by this two fungistatics. This could be also demonstrated in different development of microscopical changes of the fungal elements being influenced by DMSO (producing chlamydospores) or by griseofulvin (curling of hyphae).

The combination of griseofulvin and DMSO enhanced the fungistatic action on T. violaceum strains in both saprophytic and parasitic stage. However, T. schoenleini strains were not enhanced by this combination as saprophytes but as parasites only.

It is assumed that by simultaneous fungistatic action of griseofulvin and DMSO there is in question rather a creation of increased action of griseofulvin than an addition of specific effects of both fungistatics.