Background: Trichophyton mentagrophytes species complex comprises dermatophytes responsible for common superficial fungal infections affecting keratinised tissues. Recent shifts in taxonomy and increasing antifungal resistance—necessitate an updated understanding of this fungal complex.Objective: This narrative review provides a comprehensive update on the taxonomy, host immune response and clinical genotyping of the T. mentagrophytes complex, with a focus on zoonotic and anthropophilic infections in humans.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Scopus using MeSH terms and relevant keywords related to T. mentagrophytes, T. interdigitale, and T. indotineae. Eligible English‐language publications up to March 2025—including original research, case reports, reviews and guidelines—were included.Results: The T. mentagrophytes complex includes several genotypes with distinct transmission profiles. Genotypes III/III* are primarily zoonotic; genotype VII is sexually transmitted, especially in MSM populations; genotype VIII (T. indotineae) is anthropophilic and associated with terbinafine resistance. Infection involves keratinocyte adhesion, enzymatic skin barrier degradation and activation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. Both innate and adaptive immunity, particularly Th1 and Th17 responses, are critical for fungal clearance, whereas chronic infections are associated with impaired T‐cell function and skewed Th2 responses.Conclusion: Emerging genotypes and drug resistance within the T. mentagrophytes complex pose increasing clinical challenges. Awareness of transmission patterns, immune evasion mechanisms and resistance profiles is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of dermatophytosis.

Background: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial mycosis caused by Malassezia species. To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of PV in Acapulco, Mexico, and to identify the associated Malassezia species using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 at Acapulco General Hospital and a private dermatology clinic. Patients with clinically suspected PV and no recent antifungal or immunosuppressive treatment were enrolled. Skin scales were examined microscopically and cultured on modified Dixon agar. Isolates were identified using conventional methods and PCR-RFLP with HhaI and BstCI enzymes. Results: Sixty-nine patients were included; 68.1% were male, and the most affected age group was 11–20 years (34.8%). The hypochromic variant predominated (63.8%). PCR-RFLP identified M. globosa (33.3%) and M. furfur (31.9%) as the most frequent species, followed by M. restricta, M. sympodialis, and M. slooffiae. Species identification was unsuccessful in 11.6% of isolates. No statistically significant associations were found between clinical variants, gender, or species distribution. Conclusions: M. globosa and M. furfur were the predominant species in this tropical Mexican cohort. PCR-RFLP is a practical option for species-level identification, highlighting the diversity of Malassezia in PV.

Research plays a vital role in fostering critical thinking among medical students, while also strengthening related skills such as writing, communication, collaboration, and project management. Beyond skill development, research experiences can serve as valuable credentials and inspire future career paths. Despite these benefits, students often face challenges in identifying thought-provoking topics and securing suitable mentors. This study explores how medical students generate research ideas and establish connections with advisors, with the goal of identifying actionable institutional strategies to enhance research engagement. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted sequentially, focusing on the 2023 cohort of third-year medical students who were required to complete a research proposal as part of their graduation requirements. Quantitative data were summarized as counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. To complement these findings, qualitative interview data were analyzed independently by two investigators using reflexive thematic analysis to contextualize and extend the quantitative findings. Quantitative data from 139 students revealed that the most important factors for generating research ideas were discussions with professors, literature reviews, and attendance at research seminars. Advisors for first research projects were usually class professors, while advisors for subsequent projects were obtained through recommendations. Qualitative interviews with 19 students reflected the survey results while also uncovering additional factors not captured in the survey options, such as assisted advisor matching systems or invitations from previous advisors to collaborate on new projects. The interviews also revealed students’ perspectives on how effectively the curriculum facilitated professor matching and their personal experiences with research advisors. Additionally, while many participants expressed a personal interest in research, the majority opposed making research a mandatory requirement in medical school. Our findings suggest that strengthening faculty-student interactions, maintaining accessible platforms, and optimizing research seminars can enhance student satisfaction and the overall quality of undergraduate research.

BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Visceral muscle dysmotility syndrome (VMDS) is a rare gastrointestinal manifestation of SLE that is often underrecognized. It usually presents with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation. Chronic mucus-bloody diarrhea as the initial manifestation of SLE has not been previously reported. CASE REPORT A 20-year-old woman presented with persistent mucus-bloody diarrhea and subacute fever. Before admission, she was diagnosed with infectious enteritis and received empiric antibiotic therapy for 1 week without clinical improvement. She was subsequently referred to the emergency department with high-grade fever and dyspnea. Initial clinical findings did not suggest SLE. Extensive infectious workup results were negative. Computed tomography of the entire abdomen later demonstrated diffuse circumferential wall thickening of the stomach, entire bowel, and urinary bladder, findings suspicious for VMDS. Colonoscopy revealed diffuse mucosal edema consistent with systemic inflammation. The patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SLE with high disease activity, including lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was promptly initiated, and antibiotics were discontinued. Her gastrointestinal symptoms resolved. However, delayed recognition contributed to generalized brain atrophy evident at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Chronic mucus-bloody diarrhea may be the initial manifestation of SLE. This case underscores the importance of considering autoimmune etiologies in patients with unexplained inflammatory bowel-like symptoms and promptly excluding infection. Early recognition of lupus enteritis and VMDS is essential to initiate aggressive immunosuppressive therapy and prevent irreversible organ damage.