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Itabashi CampusAssociate Prof. Yamada Addresses Cutting-Edge Research on Fungal Infections at Prestigious Swiss Symposium

In a distinguished gathering of medical minds at the Vaud State University Hospital in Switzerland, Associate Professor Tsuyoshi Yamada of Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology unveiled groundbreaking insights into the resistance mechanisms of dermatophytes, shedding light on a pressing global health concern. The symposium, themed "Mycoses cutanées," convened on April 27, 2023, drawing experts from around the world to discuss the intricacies of skin-related fungal infections. Vaud State University Hospital, renowned for its pioneering work in healthcare, is hailed as one of Europe's foremost medical institutions, boasting over 20 facilities spanning the spectrum of medical care. Its close affiliation with the University of Lausanne further cements its status as a world-leading hub of medical innovation.

This momentous gathering held added significance as it commemorated the illustrious career of Professor Michel Monod, a stalwart figure at the University of Vaud Hospital and University of Lausanne. For over a decade, Professor Monod has collaborated closely with Associate Professor Yamada in spearheading international research efforts. Alongside them, Professor Bernard Mignon from the University of Liège in Belgium graced the symposium with his expertise. During his lecture, Associate Professor Yamada illuminated the resistance mechanisms in Trichophyton, the causative agent behind ringworm, against terbinafine and azoles, pivotal drugs in dermatophyte treatment. Together with Professor Monod, he unraveled the unprecedented azole resistance mechanism characterized by the "overexpression of the target molecule through tandem repeat formation of the gene encoding the drug's target." This novel insight, observed in the newly identified highly pathogenic fungus, Trichophyton indotineae, has profound implications for the understanding of drug resistance mechanisms in various pathogenic fungi, including Trichophyton. This emerging drug resistance mechanism represents an intriguing survival strategy, capitalizing on dynamic genomic changes—a revelation with far-reaching implications for the field of medical mycology. With the threat of drug resistance in pathogenic fungi, particularly Trichophyton, on the horizon, Teikyo University remains committed to spearheading international research initiatives, with the 40th anniversary of the Medical Mycology Research Center serving as a testament to their enduring dedication. Trichophyton indotineae, a new highly pathogenic fungus, has been reported in all pathogenic fungi including Trichophyton. I introduced that it is a new drug resistance mechanism that has never been seen before, and that it is very interesting as a survival strategy for organisms that utilizes dynamic changes in the genome.
It is expected that the problem of drug resistance of pathogenic fungi, including Trichophyton, will further expand in the future. Teikyo University will continue to promote international research activities on pathogenic fungi centering on the Medical Mycology Research Center, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Trichophyton indotineae​Click here for a paper on the azole resistance mechanism of
Click here for Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology

 

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