MOLECULAR DIFFERENTIATION OF KERATINOMYCES (TRICHOPHYTON) SPECIES

The taxonomy of the form-genus Keratinomyces (Trichophyton) within the group of the dermatophytes is based on morphological features which r emain insufficient for the distinction of these anamorphic species. Th e three species included in the genus Keratinomyces, namely K. ajelloi , K. ceretanicus and K. longifusus were examined by means of their mit ochondrial-like DNA diversity and compared to few other dermatophytes. The analysis of the mtDNA restriction fragments confirmed that the th ree species are different and well separate from the other dermatophyt es.