Potential emergence of terbinafine resistance by squalene epoxidase gene mutations: An 18‐month cohort study of onychomycosis patients in the United States

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a concerning rise in antifungal‐resistant dermatophytosis globally, with resistance to terbinafine conferred by point mutations in the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene.ObjectivesReport changes in the prevalence and profile of SQLE mutations in onychomycosis patients in the United States.MethodsA longitudinal cohort study of toenail samples was collected from suspected onychomycosis patients over an 18‐month period from 2022 to 2023. Samples were submitted from across the United States and subjected to multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reactions for dermatophyte detection, with further screening of SQLE mutations at four known hotspots (393Leu, 397Phe, 415Phe and 440His).ResultsA total of 62,056 samples were submitted (mean age: 57.5 years; female: 60.4%). Dermatophytes were detected in 38.5% of samples, primarily Trichophyton rubrum complex (83.6%) and T. mentagrophytes complex (10.7%). A survey of SQLE mutations was carried out in 22,610 dermatophyte samples; there was a significant increase in the prevalence of SQLE mutations between the first quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023 (29.0 to 61.9 per 1000 persons). The Phe397Leu substitution was the predominant mutation; Phe415Ser and His440Tyr have also emerged which were previously reported as minor mutations in skin samples. The temporal change in mutation rates can be primarily attributed to the Phe415Ser substitution. Samples from elderly patients (>70 years) are more likely to be infected with the T. mentagrophytes complex including strains harbouring the Phe415Ser substitution.ConclusionThe prevalence of SQLE mutations among onychomycosis patients with Trichophyton infections may be underestimated. Older individuals may have a higher risk.