Application of PCR fingerprinting using (GACA) 4 primer in the rapid discrimination of dermatophytes.
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Date
2014-07
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Abstract
Background: Superficial fungal infections have a major impact on cosmetic health, affecting more than 20-25% of the
global population, which is predominantly caused by dermatophytes. As per literature search, molecular strain typing
of dermatophytes has not been investigated in India. Therefore, the present study was carried out to characterise the
dermatophyte species and strains by molecular methods. Objective: To analyse the genotype variability by applying
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting using a simple sequence repetitive oligonucleotide (GACA)4 primer
to identify the species and strain variations among the dermatophytes isolated from a tertiary care centre in Chennai.
Materials and Methods: From January 2010 to December 2010, 81 dermatophytes were isolated and included for the
present study. A simple sequence repetitive oligonucleotide (GACA)4 was used as a single primer in the amplification
process. Results: The (GACA)4‑based PCR successfully amplified all the clinical isolates. Trichophyton rubrum
and T. rubrum var. raubitschekii produced identical band profiles, where the latter could not be differentiated from
the T. rubrum, which are being reported for the first time from south India. Epidermophyton floccosum produced
species‑specific band profiles. Intra‑species variability was not observed among the T. rubrum and E. floccosum isolates.
T. mentagrophytes produced three simple, distinct band patterns, which are surprisingly different from the earlier
studies. Conclusion: The PCR‑based genotype using the short primer is rapid and precise in direct identification of
dermatophyte isolates by one‑step PCR to the species level and strain discrimination of the T. mentagrophytes variants.
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Keywords
Dermatophytes, (GACA)4 primer, PCR fingerprinting
Citation
Elavarashi E, Kindo A J, Kalyani J, Sudha R. Application of PCR fingerprinting using (GACA) 4 primer in the rapid discrimination of dermatophytes. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2014 Jul-Sept ; 32 (3): 236-339.