In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Dermatophytes on Urea

Abstract

Objective: Urea is commonly used in many anti fungal drugs to improve the penetration of drug in tinea infections. This study was organized to study the susceptibility of dermatophyte species on urea in laboratory. Method: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of urea was determined for 34 samples of dermatophytes cultured in Sabouraud dextrose broth and agar which had different concentrations of urea (5%- 30%) added. Minimum inhibitory concentration was checked by absence of fungal growth. Results: Majority of the isolates showed significant growth on 10% concentration, followed by weak growth on 20% concentration. 11 isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and 9 isolates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes required above 30% concentration for complete inhibition. No growth was recorded on 30% concentration of urea. Results showed that only in higher concentration of urea may kill the dermatophytic strains. Conclusion: Results reveal inhibitory potential of urea on dermatophyte ssuggests it to be used as an adjuvant in topical ointments and sprays.