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[The relation between the growth and extracellular proteolytic activity in trichophyton rubrum, comparing isolates
Abstract:
Trichophyton rubrum, a major pathogenic fungus in dermatophytosis, produced a new type of extracellular proteinase, in addition to those previously reported, when cultivated in liquid medium containing bovine serum albumin. This enzyme had an optimal pH 4.5 for azocoll and was found in both isolates from tinea superficialis and granuloma trichophyticum. The proteolytic activity of isolates from granuloma trichophyticum were superior to isolates from tinea superficialis in both acid and alkaline proteinase. But the growth of T. rubrum isolates from tinea superficialis were better than that from granuloma trichophyticum.
Insights
Trichophyton rubrum, a fungus causing skin infections, secretes a novel extracellular proteinase. This enzyme, active at pH 4.5, shows varied activity and growth rates between different infection types.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Enzymology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Trichophyton rubrum is a primary cause of dermatophytosis.
- Extracellular proteinases are virulence factors for T. rubrum.
- Previous studies identified several proteinases, but novel enzymes may exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly identified extracellular proteinase from Trichophyton rubrum.
- To compare the enzymatic activity and growth characteristics of T. rubrum isolates from different clinical presentations (tinea superficialis vs. granuloma trichophyticum).
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of T. rubrum in liquid medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin.
- Assay of extracellular proteinase activity using azocoll substrate at various pH levels.
- Measurement of fungal growth rates.
Main Results:
- A new type of extracellular proteinase was produced by T. rubrum.
- The enzyme exhibited optimal activity at pH 4.5.
- Isolates from granuloma trichophyticum demonstrated higher acid and alkaline proteinase activity compared to tinea superficialis isolates.
- T. rubrum isolates from tinea superficialis showed better growth than those from granuloma trichophyticum.
Conclusions:
- Trichophyton rubrum produces a novel extracellular proteinase with specific pH activity.
- Differential proteolytic activity and growth patterns exist between T. rubrum isolates from tinea superficialis and granuloma trichophyticum, potentially influencing disease presentation and progression.