Mycological features of trichophyton verrucosum isolated in Taegu area

Kim, Jong Cheul; Choi, Jong Soo; Kim, Ki Hong; Suh, Soon Bong

Abstract

Trichophyton verrucosum is a worldwide zoophilic dermatophye. The human infection was first reported in t.he South western part of Korea in 1986 and Fas been increasing in Taegu area. Thirty-one strains of T. verrucosum isolated from the patients in Taegu area were investigated for their mycological features. Gross observation on Sabot rauds dextrose agar, microscopic examination by scotch tape method and slide culture or Sabourauds dextrose agar and potato dextrose agar, and hair perforation test were perforn ed at 37C. The averages of the largest dimensions of the colonies were .9mm at 2 weeks and 59mm at 4 weeks. The morphologic features of the colonies were clasified into three types. Eighteen of 31 strains showed flatwhitish, disc-like colonies with suvmerging hyphae, 11 strains had large radiating follows on the center of the colonies, and 2 strains showed colonies having diffuse fine folds on their surfaces with well-defined borders. On microscopic exaniination, many chlamydospores, antlerlive hyphae, oval and clavate microconidia, and rat tail or string bean shaped macroconidia were observed. It seemed that observation on potato dextrose agar during 10 to 14 days af er inoculation was suitable method for microscopic examination of T. verrucosum. All 31 strains showed positive reaction on hair perforation test.