Genomic Polymorphism of Trichophyton Rubrum Isolated from Keratinized Clinical Sources using the RAPD-PCR Method

Dermatophytosis is a fungal complication of keratinized skin, hair, and nail tissues, which is caused by the establishment of dermatophytosis in the tissues. Attempts for tapping and discriminating the subtypes, as well as studying the possible association of specific species with clinical forms of trichophyton isolates using RAPD-PCR with random primers is a useful tool for typing and differentiating the fungal species. This study aimed to investigate the genomic polymorphism of Trichophyton rubrum isolated from keratinized sources using the RAPD-PCR method.

In this study, 60 dermatophytosis specimens were isolated from dermatophilic patients aged 12 to 45 years referred to Khatam-al-Anbia Hospital in Tehran province and Qods Hospital in Markazi province, Iran. The samples were inoculated in Sabourodextrose agar or microbial agar medium. A total of 30 positive samples were obtained, and specific kits were used to extract trichophyton rubrum DNA. The PCR was performed using specific primers, and the RAPD-PCR method was employed for genomic analysis. Investigation of genomic polymorphism is a valuable genetic marker in the evaluation of genome structure of Trichophyton rubrum.

A total of 30 isolates of Trichophyton rubrum were isolated after screening the clinical specimens that were identified based on morphological, microscopic, and biochemical tests. These strains were divided into nine genomic groups, some of which were found in several groups, indicating the genotypic similarity of the fungi of the same species at different locations. Among the identified clusters, cluster nine obtained the highest frequency, which included 12 isolates with common kinship characteristics.

This study investigated the genomic polymorphism of Trichophyton rubrum isolated from dermatophytes specimens of patients with dermatophytosis in Tehran, Iran, using the RAPD-PCR technique with a primer. According to the results, distance and age group had a significant effect. Furthermore, genetic diversity can play a special role in the transmission and pathogenicity of this microorganism.