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Polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA of several Trichophyton rubrum isolates from clinical specimens

C de Bièvre1, C Dauguet, V H Nguyen

  • 1Unité de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris.

Annales De L'Institut Pasteur. Microbiology
|November 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of the human fungal pathogen Trichophyton rubrum revealed two distinct genetic groups based on restriction fragment patterns and circular DNA lengths. This finding aids in understanding fungal diversity and pathogen classification.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Trichophyton rubrum is a significant fungal pathogen causing human infections.
  • Understanding genetic diversity within T. rubrum is crucial for diagnostics and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize six isolates of Trichophyton rubrum.
  • To investigate the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of T. rubrum using restriction endonuclease digestion and electron microscopy.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and purification of mtDNA from six T. rubrum isolates.
  • Digestion of mtDNA with restriction endonucleases (HindIII, HaeIII, AluI, EcoR1).
  • Analysis of fragment patterns and electron microscopy to determine mtDNA structure and length.

Main Results:

  • The six T. rubrum isolates were classified into two distinct groups based on mtDNA fragment patterns.
  • Electron microscopy revealed circular mtDNA molecules with two different lengths: 26.85 microns and 21.60 microns, correlating with the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • mtDNA analysis effectively differentiates Trichophyton rubrum isolates into distinct genetic groups.
  • The observed variations in mtDNA length suggest genetic heterogeneity within T. rubrum populations, impacting pathogen behavior.

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