In Vitro and Ex Vivo Biofilm-Forming Ability of Rhinocladiella similis and Trichophyton rubrum Isolated from a Mixed Onychomycosis Case

Infections caused by biofilm-forming agents have important implications for world health. Mixed infections, more than one etiological agent, are also an emerging problem, especially regarding the standardization of effective diagnosis and treatment methods. Cases mixed onychomycosis (OM) been reported; however, studies on microbial interactions between different fungi in biofilms formed nails still scarce. We describe a case OM dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum black yeast-like fungus Rhinocladiella similis. Identical growths both were observed 50 cultures from nail samples. Additionally, species able to form organized single biofilms, reinforcing participation etiology this case. R. similis seemed grow faster during process, suggesting that T. benefits biofilm development when combination. Moreover, isolate exhibited exacerbated production extracellular matrix, which was not with reference strain, had natural abilities possibly perfected patient.