| dc.description.abstract | Dermatophystosis is a skin condition affecting the cosmetic appearance and the quality
of life of people. This is caused by many species of dermatophytes, among them is
Microsporum canis, a fungus in canine and feline skin. Thus, treating infected animals
minimizes the risk of zoonotic infection. However, topical solutions to treat affected
canines are scarce in the local market. Thus, this study was executed aiming to develop
an antifungal solution containing sulphur against Microsporum canis. Using calcium oxide,
sulfur and distilled water a calcium polysulfide solution was prepared using a modified
protocol. The presence of calcium was confirmed by simple flame test and sulfide ions
by adding 10% cadmium chloride solution. Sulfide ion concentration was determined by
modified titrimetric and novel spectrophotometric methods. The antifungal activity was
assessed by an in-vitro antifungal assay using Diameter of the Zone of Inhibition (DIZ) of
disc diffusion method and Percentage Inhibition of Diameter Growth (PIDG). The solution
was reddish brown colour and had a characteristic odour of rotten eggs. It produced
an orange-color flame and a yellow-color precipitate indicating the presence of calcium
and sulfide ions. Titrimetric and novel spectrophotometric studies revealed that the
formula was CaS5.5. The solution exhibited significantly higher antifungal activity against
Microsporum canis compared to the positive control (p < 0.05). The lowest concertation
had 117.5% PIDG and the highest had 168.5% PIDG. This preliminary evidence showed that
CaS5.5 is a suitable formula to develop an efficacious, safe and a cheap topical antifungal
solution to treat canines affected with dermatophytosis. | en_US |
