Integrating Machine Learning and Molecular Methods for <i>Trichophyton indotineae</i> Identification and Resistance Profiling Using MALDI-TOF Spectra.

ABSTRACT: Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging dermatophyte species responsible for recalcitrant and terbinafine-resistant dermatophytosis, raising concerns over diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. This study aimed to improve the identification and resistance profiling of T. indotineae by integrating molecular methods with machine learning-assisted analysis of MALDI-TOF mass spectra. A total of 56 clinical isolates within the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex were analyzed using ITS and ERG1 gene sequencing, antifungal susceptibility testing, and MALDI-TOF MS profiling. Terbinafine resistance was detected in 23 isolates and correlated with specific ERG1 mutations, including F397L, L393S, F415C, and A448T. While conventional MALDI-TOF MS failed to reliab

SUBMITTER: Ivagnes V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12567187 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature