Differentiation of isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD).

Purpose. There is a need to develop new methods for identification of atypi cal dermatophyte isolates, particularly for common species like Trichophyto n rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Material. Methods. In the present study, differentiation between these Tric hophyton species was carried out by a random amplification of polymorphic D NA (RAPD) assay, using two discriminatory primers A04 (AATCGGGCTG) and A06 (GGTCCCTGAC). Results. Conclusion. We successfully identified 28 Trichophyton isolates of which 23 had a typical morphology and five were atypical or pleomorphized. Therefore, based on species-specific RAPD patterns, T rubrum and T. interd igitale dermatophyte isolates could be rapidly and easily differentiated. T hese findings indicate that RAPD could be effective to differentiate the de rmatophyte species.