Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
Published on: November 4, 2016
Inter-single-sequence-repeat-PCR typing as a new tool for identification of Microsporum canis strains
José Cano1, Antonio Rezusta, María Solé
1Department de Ciencies Mediques Basiques, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, Carrer Sant Llorenc 21, Reus, 43201 Tarragona, Spain. josep.cano@urv.net
Background:
Microsporum canis is a ubiquitous dermatophyte that commonly causes human infections. Since contact with infected animals is the usual way of infection, tracing its source is an essential preventive measure.
Objective:
To type isolates of M. canis from human patients whose skin was affected, and from some animals (dogs and cats) that were closely associated to the patients.
Methods:
The inter-single-sequence-repeat-PCR (ISSR-PCR) technique has been used for typing 24 isolates of M. canis. Seventeen isolates tested were from human patients, 5 from cats and 1 from a dog
Results:
A total of 21 genotypes were identified. The same genotype was found infecting a patient and a cat that was living closely with him, but another member of the same family proved to be infected with two genotypes different from that. Clinical specimens from two patients had been contaminated with the same genotype, probably in the laboratory where the samples were handled.
Conclusion:
These results demonstrate that ISSR-PCR polymorphism is a reliable method for the identification of the M. canis strains.
Insights
Tracing the source of Microsporum canis infections is key for prevention. Inter-single-sequence-repeat-PCR (ISSR-PCR) effectively typed M. canis strains from humans and animals, revealing transmission links.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microsporum canis is a common cause of human dermatophytosis.
- Animal-to-human transmission is the primary infection route.
- Identifying infection sources is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To molecularly type Microsporum canis isolates.
- To investigate M. canis strains from human patients and associated animals.
- To determine potential transmission pathways.
Main Methods:
- Inter-single-sequence-repeat-PCR (ISSR-PCR) was employed.
- 24 M. canis isolates were analyzed: 17 from humans, 5 from cats, 1 from a dog.
- ISSR-PCR assessed genetic polymorphism among isolates.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one distinct M. canis genotypes were identified.
- A shared genotype was found between a patient and their pet cat.
- Possible laboratory contamination was indicated for two patient samples.
Conclusions:
- ISSR-PCR is a reliable method for differentiating M. canis strains.
- Molecular typing can identify specific M. canis transmission events.
- Understanding strain diversity aids in controlling dermatophytosis outbreaks.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Modern Molecular Taxonomy
01:25Rapid Identification of Pathogens