Use of RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) to analyse genetic diversity of dematiaceous fungal pathogens

Thirteen strains of chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis etiologic age nt fungi were obtained from different geographical origins. These strains w ere genotypically compared by means of the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorph ic DNA) technique. The data generated showed a high degree of polymorphism between distinct species and a low polymorphism between strains of the same species. The results generated by these tests were subjected to a numerica l taxonomy analysis, using the unweighted pair-group method. A phenogram wa s constructed for the set of strains studied. Based on its structure, we co ncluded that genotypical data provide enough information to us to use the u nweighted pair-group method to cluster the strains in accordance to their r espective species. The phenogram grouped in a single branch the strains of Fonsecaea pedrosoi and F. compacta species, indicating a great similarity b etween these fungi, and suggesting that the classification as distinct spec ies may not be appropriate for these species of the genus Fonsecaea.