| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6069625 | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | 2016 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of nails primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi. Fungi are traditionally understood as existing in the environment as planktonic organisms; however, recent advancements in microbiology suggest that fungi form biofilms-complex sessile microbial communities irreversibly attached to epithelial surfaces by means of an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix also acts as a protective barrier to the organisms within the biofilm. The biofilm is surprisingly resistant to injury and may act as a persistent source of infection possibly accounting for antifungal resistance in onychomycosis.
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Authors
Aditya K. MD, PhD, FRCP(C), Deanne MSc, Jessie L. PhD,