PHYLOGENETIC-RELATIONSHIPS OF SOME MICROSPORUM AND ARTHRODERMA SPECIES INFERRED FROM MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA ANALYSIS

Thirty-eight strains of 12 Microsporum and 10 Arthroderma (Nannizzia) species were investigated by analysis of mitochondrial DNA with 6 rest riction enzymes, and classified into 13 genetic groups. The phylogenet ic tree of the 13 groups thus established was constructed. On the tree , M, audouinii, M. langeronii, M. rivalieri, M. distortum, M. equinum, M. ferrugineum and A. otae comprise one genetic group and are suggest ed to be the same species. A. gypseum, A. fulvum, M. duboisii, M. ripa riae, A. incurvatum, A. persicolor and A. obtusum are clustered on one of five boughs of the tree indicating their close relation. A. racemo sum and A. cajetani are also closely related.