Metabolic and morphostructural plasticity of environmental and animal strains of Nannizzia gypsea

Abstract Nannizzia gypsea is a geophylic agent of human and animal dermatophytosis. This study compares the metabolic and morphostructural plasticity of N. gypsea strains isolated from moss, sand, and a dog. The in vitro metabolic plasticity included the detection of extracellular enzymes, thermotolerance, resistance to oxidative stress, and assessment of fungal growth. Structural plasticity studies included cell surface hydrophobicity, electronegativity, and size of macroconidia. Virulence was assessed on a Tenebrio molitor model. The strains showed low thermotolerance and susceptibility to oxidative stress, and were producers of keratinase, lipase, and catalase. Nannizzia gypsea strains were unable to produce hemolysin, esterase, and phospholipase, although they were able to grow with different carbon sources. The electronegative properties of the surface did not vary between the strains under study. The knowledge about N. gypsea metabolic and morphostructural plasticity could be crucial for the development of therapeutic strategies and control of dermatophytosis. Lay Summary Nannizzia gypsea causes dermatophytosis due to its metabolic and morphostructural plasticity. Investigations on the fungus–host interaction are essential for the development of therapeutic intervention strategies and control of this important zoonosis in the world public health scenario.