Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Genomics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a significant cause of dermatophytosis.
• Emergence of specific genotypes, like genotype VII, poses challenges in treatment and control.
• Understanding the genetic makeup of clinical isolates is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a comprehensive genome characterization of the clinical Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES.
• To identify potential virulence factors within the PG12DES genome.
• To investigate the phylogenetic relationship of this clinical isolate to other known strains.

Main Methods:

• Whole-genome sequencing of the PG12DES strain.
• Bioinformatic analysis to identify genes and virulence factors.
• Phylogenetic analysis using comparative genomics.

Main Results:

• The genome of strain PG12DES was successfully characterized.
• Several virulence factors, including MEP-1, MEP-2, MEP-3, MEP-4, SUB-6, and ZAF-A, were identified.
• Phylogenetic analysis indicated a clonal relationship with a T. mentagrophytes strain from Moldova (2017).

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first genome characterization of a clinical Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain from Italy.
• The identified virulence factors offer insights into the pathogenicity of this emerging genotype.
• The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the epidemiology and evolution of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII.