Interest of RAPD-PCR for identification of dermatophytes belonging to Microsporum genus.

Introduction. The methods used for the identification of dermatophytes ale long and sometimes imprecise. Somes species appear to be morphological vari ant and are not universally recognized. Purpose. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that RAPD (Random Ampl ified Polymorphism DNA) is useful to differentiate,Microsporum, and that ch aracteristic profile of each strain can be used to identified dermatophytes . Material and methods. Fifty-five 55 strains from 12 species of Microsporum and Arthroderma were studied by RAPD-PCR. Nine primers were used: F27, OPTA 11, TR1, M13, Op18, A4, A7, A3, A8. Results. Profiles produced by these primers from each strain showed constan cy in number, intensity and size of fingerprints of each specie. Only OPD18 primer can separate the all species. But Microsporum langeronii and Micros porum audouinii cannot be distinguished each other. Species from Microsporu m gypseum complex showed four molecular profiles. These profiles were compa red to those of teleomorph Arthroderma gypseum, Arthroderma incurvatum and Arthroderma fulvum. Each strain studied was attached to one teleomorph spec ies. Conclusion. These results showed that Microsporum species can be identified by a characteristic profile but M. langeronii and M. audouinii had the. sa me profile. RAPD-PCR is a useful method to identify Microsporum. M. langero nii and M. audouinii may be morphological variant of a same specie. For spe cies of a complex such as M. gypseum M. fulvum, it is necessary to perform RAPD in anamorph and teleomorph.