DIFFERENTIATION OF ARTHRODERMA SPP. BY RANDOM AMPLIFICATION OF POLYMORPHIC DNA (RAPD) AND SOUTHERN HYBRIDIZATION

To develop the molecular differentiation analysis of dermatophytes, we carried out RAPD and Southern hybridization analyses using genomic DN As of six Arthroderma species, including 3 A. fulvum, A. grubyi, A. gy pseum, A. incurvatum, A. otae and A. racemosum. The RAPD analysis gave different band patterns specific to each of the six Arthroderma fungi . However, minor differences in the banding patterns were observed bet ween the strains of plus (+) and minus (-) mating types of A. gypseum, A. fulvum and A, incurvatum. Southern blot analysis using a probe (1S ) obtained from A, grubyi DNA gave specific bands only in the DNA samp les of A. grubyi and A. incurvatum. On the other hand, Southern blot a nalysis using a probe (C3) obtained from A. otae DNA gave specific ban ds in all six Arthroderma species examined, and the size of the bands were specific to each species. These findings indicate that RAPD and S outhern hybridization analyses are useful in the differentiation of th ese Arthroderma species.