Dermatophytosis, also known as Tinea infection, remains a significant interdisciplinary concern worldwide. This dermatophyte infection may be more serious in individuals with underlying somatic diseases, immunodeficiencies, endocrine disorders, or chronic illnesses. This study analyzed 313 patients with suspected dermatophytosis. Data were gathered through questionnaires and medical records were reviewed. Biological samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and PCR was employed to assess the genetic diversity of strains. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The overall prevalence of dermatophytosis in the cohort was 30.4%. Among the cultured isolates, 73.7% were identified as Microsporum canis, while 26.3% were identified as Trichophyton species, including T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, and T. verrucosum. Several factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of dermatophytosis, including the following: male gender (AOR = 1.97), age 1–10 years (AOR = 3.80), living in rural areas (AOR = 2.30), visiting public bathhouses (AOR = 2.32), visiting massage parlors (AOR = 1.39), contact with cats (AOR = 2.32), family history of dermatophytosis (AOR = 3.04), and sexual contact with an infected or unknown partner (AOR = 3.08). Dermatophytosis was identified in approximately one third of the patients by culture (30.4%), with the risk heightened in individuals under 10 years old (43.6%), those living in rural areas (33.3%), and those with a family history of dermatophytosis (35.7%) or close contact with cats (39.4%). The findings underscore the need for strengthened preventive measures and targeted diagnostics, particularly among high-risk groups.

Introduction. Oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation are key factors in skin aging and impaired regeneration. Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is considered a promising source of bioactive molecules for dermatology. Objective. To systematize data on the molecular mechanisms of the antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-aging, and wound-healing effects of A. platensis. Search strategy. A literature review of scientific publications in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted. In vitro, in vivo studies, clinical trials, and literature reviews describing the effect of spirulina on the skin from 2015 to 2025 were analyzed. Results. Literature analysis revealed a multimodal mechanism of action for A. platensis. Antioxidant activity is realized through two pathways: ethanolic extracts (rich in phenols) provide direct radical scavenging, while C-phycocyanin triggers endogenous defense via the Nrf-2/HO-1 axis. The photoprotective effect consists in preventing UV-induced apoptosis and suppressing enzymes that degrade the dermal matrix (collagenase, elastase) and stimulate pigmentation (tyrosinase). Regarding wound healing, it was established that polysaccharide and protein fractions stimulate fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis (via VEGF), acting more effectively than synthetic analogues. Clinical data confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of spirulina; however, transitioning to nanostructured delivery systems (hydrogels, nanofibers) is necessary to increase the bioavailability of active proteins. Conclusions. A. platensis is an effective biotherapeutic agent that combines antioxidant, photoprotective, and reparative properties. Further research should be aimed at the standardization of extracts and the implementation of innovative transdermal carriers. Введение. Окислительный стресс и ультрафиолетовое излучение являются ключевыми факторами старения кожи и нарушения регенерации. Arthrospira platensis (Спирулина) рассматривается как перспективный источник биоактивных молекул для дерматологии. Цель исследования. Систематизировать данные о молекулярных механизмах антиоксидантного, фотозащитного, противовозрастного и ранозаживляющего действия A. platensis. Стратегия поиска. Проведен обзор научных публикаций в базах PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science и Google Scholar. Анализировались исследования in vitro, in vivo и клинические испытания, обзоры литературы, описывающие влияние спирулины на кожу в период c 2015 по 2025 год. Результаты. Анализ литературы выявил мультимодальный механизм действия A. platensis. Антиоксидантная активность реализуется двумя путями: этанольные экстракты (богатые фенолами) обеспечивают прямой перехват радикалов, тогда как С-фикоцианин запускает эндогенную защиту через ось Nrf-2/HO-1. Фотопротекторный эффект заключается в предотвращении УФ-индуцированного апоптоза и подавлении ферментов, разрушающих дермальный матрикс (коллагеназы, эластазы) и стимулирующих пигментацию (тирозиназы). В отношении ранозаживления установлено, что полисахаридные и белковые фракции стимулируют пролиферацию фибробластов и ангиогенез (через VEGF), действуя эффективнее синтетических аналогов. Клинические данные подтверждают противовоспалительный потенциал спирулины, однако для повышения биодоступности активных белков необходим переход к наноструктурированным системам доставки (гидрогели, нановолокна). Выводы. A. platensis является эффективным биотерапевтическим агентом, объединяющим свойства антиоксиданта, фотопротектора и репаранта. Дальнейшие исследования должны быть направлены на стандартизацию экстрактов и внедрение инновационных трансдермальных носителей. Кіріспе. Тотығу стрессі мен ультракүлгін сәулелену терінің қартаюы мен регенерацияның бұзылуының негізгі факторлары болып табылады. Arthrospira platensis (Спирулина) дерматология үшін биобелсенді молекулалардың перспективалы көзі ретінде қарастырылады. Зерттеу мақсаты. A. platensis-тің антиоксиданттық, фотоқорғаныстық, қартаюға қарсы және жараларды емдеуші әсерінің молекулалық механизмдері туралы мәліметтерді жүйелеу. Іздеу стратегиясы. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science және Google Scholar деректер...

Dermatophytosis is a common superficial fungal infection, yet region-specific data from Central Asia remain limited. Integrated clinical, culture-based, and molecular data are scarce. A cross-sectional study included 343 patients with suspected dermatophytosis in Astana, Kazakhstan. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected using a standardized protocol. Laboratory diagnosis included direct microscopy, culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and ITS-targeted PCR. Statistical analysis used chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal–Wallis tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Direct microscopy detected fungal elements in 70.6% of patients, whereas culture was positive in 43.7%. Molecular analysis of 150 isolates identified five species, with Microsporum canis as the predominant pathogen. Zoophilic dermatophytes accounted for 67.3% of cases and were mainly associated with tinea capitis and tinea corporis, whereas anthropophilic species predominated in tinea cruris (92%). Species were significantly associated with clinical form (p < 0.0001) and patient age (p < 0.001). Seasonal variation was also identified (p = 0.01). Trichophyton indotineae was identified in seven patients. This study provides new insights into the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the predominance of zoophilic species and their association with specific clinical forms. The detection of T. indotineae highlights the need for molecular surveillance for potential antifungal resistance.