Microsporum canis complex infections in the United Arab Emirates: Clinical, molecular, and antifungal susceptibility profiles.

Molecular identification revealed 90.4% of Microsporum canis complex isolates in Abu Dhabi, with 9.6% misidentified phenotypically, highlighting the importance of ITS sequencing.

• Why it matters: Accurate diagnosis of dermatophyte infections is crucial for effective treatment, yet regional data on species distribution and antifungal susceptibility are limited, especially in the Arabian Gulf.
• What they did: Fifty-two isolates from pediatric patients were characterized through phenotypic methods, ITS sequencing, and antifungal susceptibility testing, with clinical data from 48 patients collected between 2024 and 2025.
• The result: Despite low MICs indicating susceptibility, over 80% of patients experienced treatment failure or recurrence, emphasizing the need for species-specific management and molecular confirmation to improve outcomes.