First report of Arthroderma benhamiae in Switzerland.
BACKGROUND
Dermatophytes are usually identified on the basis of macroscopic characteristics and microscopic examination of the cultures. Identification of dermatophytes often remains difficult or uncertain because there are variations from one isolate to another and overlapping characteristics between species.


OBJECTIVE
To identify dermatophyte species producing numerous microconidia and resembling Trichophyton mentagrophytes by DNA sequence analysis.


METHODS
The complete ITS1 + 5.6s + ITS2 rDNA region of various dermatophytes isolated in culture was amplified by PCR and sequenced.


RESULTS
Nine isolates of a fast-growing dermatophyte species were identified as Arthroderma benhamiae by DNA sequencing. Retrospective investigations revealed that the isolates were from 8 children and 1 adult suffering from inflammatory dermatophytosis. Eight of the 9 patients had had previous contact with rodents, mostly guinea pigs.


CONCLUSIONS
It is the first time that A. benhamiae is reported in Switzerland. In cases of dermatophytosis attributed to A. benhamiae, a rodent is the most likely cause of infection.
Fumeaux
Janine
J
Service de Dermatologie (DHURDV), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mock
Myriam
M
Ninet
Béatrice
B
Jan
Isabelle
I
Bontems
Olympia
O
Léchenne
Barbara
B
Lew
Daniel
D
Panizzon
Renato G
RG
Jousson
Olivier
O
Monod
Michel
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D003883:Arthrodermataceae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000032:analysis; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013557:Switzerland; D014249:Trichophyton / Q000235:genetics
D004275:DNA, Ribosomal