Ready, FIGHT!

Match 1: Trichophyton rubrum: The Persistent Veteran

• Common infections: Foot fungus, nail infections
• P. oligandrum's approach: Parasitise on the hyphae (the branched fungal filaments), releasing degrading enzymes and competing for space and nutrients.
• Challenge: T. rubrum is like the bodybuilder among fungi: a strong cell wall and a talent for biofilm formation (a protective layer). P. oligandrum needs a long breath here, which means patience is your best ally in fighting this tough opponent.
• Fun fact: T. rubrum thrives in nutrient-poor environments, but P. oligandrum is a tough survivor. With consistent treatment, even this heavyweight will eventually lose.

Match 2: Trichophyton mentagrophytes: The Fast Rebel

• Common infections: Tinea pedis (foot fungus), tinea corporis (ringworm)
• P. oligandrum's approach: Rapid colonisation, high enzyme activity and a merciless attack on fungal walls.
• Results: This fungus is more sensitive to the enzymatic attacks of P. oligandrum than T. rubrum. Faster results with fewer treatments!
• Why so vulnerable? Unlike T. rubrum this species does not hide behind a biofilm. It is like a sprinter without armour: fast, but easy to catch.

Match 3: Epidermophyton floccosum: The Modest Host

• Common infections: Tinea cruris (groin infections), tinea pedis
• P. oligandrum's approach: The same parasitic strategy as with Trichophyton-species - break down fungal walls, colonise the environment and dominate the battlefield.
• Results: This species has weak cell wall defences and is therefore highly susceptible to P. oligandrum.
• Good news: If you are dealing with this fungus, you are in luck - it is one of the easier species to defeat!

Match 4: Microsporum canis: The Animal Lover

• Common infections: Scalp infections, ringworm (often via pets!)
• P. oligandrum's approach: Adhere to fungal threads, penetrate the thick walls of the spores and neutralise them with powerful enzymes.
• Results: Although M. canis presents a challenge with its strong spores, P. oligandrum is more than capable of overcoming it. Treatment is usually quicker than for T. rubrum.
• Tip for pet owners: Has your four-legged friend passed on a fungal infection? P. oligandrum offers a solution!

Match 5: Candida albicans: The Cunning Opportunist

• Common infections: Skin and mucous membrane infections
• P. oligandrum's approach: Competitive exclusion (displacing Candida by taking up space and nutrients) and parasitic inhibition.
• Results: Generally effective, but stubborn cases sometimes need extra attention.

And the winner is. Pythium Oligandrum!

We did it, congratulations on these victories! Wondering what makes P. oligandrum such an effective fungicide? Here is an overview of its secret weapons:

• Enzymatic destruction: It produces glucanases and proteases that break down the cell walls of pathogenic fungi.
• Space taker: It colonises infection sites, driving out harmful fungi from their comfortable hiding places.
• Immune booster: It triggers local immune responses in the skin, giving your body an extra anti-fungal boost.