Bee Venom as a Novel Antifungal Agent Against Microsporum canis Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
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Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Microsporum canis (M. canis)
Microsporum canis (M. canis)
OverviewMicrosporum canis (M. canis) is a zoophilic dermatophyte common in cats and dogs, responsible for 90% of feline dermatophytoses worldwide.[1][2] It has significant zoonotic potential, transmitting to humans through fomites or direct animal contact, causing severe superficial mycosis. M. canis is considered anthropo-zoophilic and can infect pediatric or immunocompromised patients, causing severe inflammatory responses such […]
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
This original research study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of bee venom (BV) against Microsporum canis (M. canis), a dermatophyte responsible for the majority of feline dermatophytoses and a zoonotic agent affecting humans. Due to rising antifungal resistance, especially against fluconazole and amphotericin B, and the side effects associated with drugs like terbinafine, the researchers explored BV as a natural antimicrobial alternative. The study employed a modified macrodilution method (based on EUCAST protocols) to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of BV compared to standard antifungal agents.
Who was studied?
Seventeen clinical samples were collected from domestic cats with suspected dermatophytosis, yielding six isolates of M. canis (Mc1–Mc6). These isolates were cultured, identified via macroscopic and microscopic criteria, and subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing. The study focused on testing both pharmaceutical antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and terbinafine) and bee venom on these isolates under controlled laboratory conditions.
Most important findings
All M. canis isolates were resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B. Only one isolate (Mc2) was susceptible to itraconazole (MIC and MFC of 8 µg/mL). Terbinafine demonstrated potent activity against all isolates (MIC and MFC = 0.1 µg/mL). Bee venom exhibited partial antifungal activity, with MIC/MFC values of 320 µg/mL for Mc2 and 640 µg/mL for Mc6, while other isolates were resistant. The antifungal potency of BV was lower than that of terbinafine but superior to fluconazole and amphotericin B for the few susceptible isolates.
| Agent | Sensitive Isolates | MIC (µg/mL) | MFC (µg/mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terbinafine | All (Mc1–Mc6) | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Fluconazole | None | – | – |
| Amphotericin B | None | – | – |
| Itraconazole | Mc2 only | 8 | 8 |
| Bee venom | Mc2, Mc6 | 320, 640 | 320, 640 |
Key implications
The study underscores the growing resistance of M. canis to conventional antifungals, particularly fluconazole and amphotericin B. While terbinafine remains effective, the emergence of resistance elsewhere justifies exploring novel agents. BV demonstrated modest antifungal activity, supporting its future potential as a topical therapeutic, especially in cases where conventional therapies fail or are contraindicated. However, in vivo validation is necessary before clinical implementation. Moreover, while BV has promising antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, its toxicity, optimal dosing, and delivery routes remain critical challenges to address before therapeutic translation.