Overview
- In vitro experiments from the University of Bath and King’s College London found hydrogen sulfide eradicated fungal nail pathogens within hours, including strains resistant to common antifungals.
- Gaseous hydrogen sulfide was 50–1000 times more potent than its liquid form, halting growth after 3–6 hours of exposure in sealed assays.
- The study mapped a lethal mechanism that shuts down cytochrome c oxidase, collapses microbial energy production, and triggers damaging oxidative stress.
- The work, published in Scientific Reports, also showed selective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.
- The findings remain laboratory-only, and the team aims to develop a controlled-release, lower-odor topical formulation over about five years pending safety testing and clinical trials.