Phenotypical and molecular characterization of Microsporum canis strains in north-east Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the possible correlation between the phenotypical and genotypical characteristics of Microsporum canis isolated from cats and dogs in north-east Brazil.


RESULTS
The mycological study was conducted by direct microscopic examination and by fungal culture. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis and random amplification of polymorphic DNA techniques were used for the genotypical analysis. The morphological analysis showed a considerable diversity of colonies as well as different morphologies of conidia, despite the M. canis strains having been isolated under the same conditions. However, the molecular analysis showed that all analysed strains are genetically similar.


CONCLUSIONS
This study, based on phenotypical and molecular analysis, evidences the wide spectrum of phenotypical variations in M. canis in contrast to the stable genotypes of such dermatophytes.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study indicate that M. canis isolated from cats and dogs with dermatophytosis in north-east Brazil may be clones, well adapted to the conditions of this region, despite M. canis showing different morphological features.
Brilhante
R S N
RS
Veterinary Faculty, Post-Graduation Program in Veterinary Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil. samiamic@yahoo.com.br
Rocha
M F G
MF
Cordeiro
R A
RA
Rabenhorst
S H B
SH
Granjeiro
T B
TB
Monteiro
A J
AJ
Sidrim
J J C
JJ
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002415:Cats; D003470:Culture Media; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000235:genetics; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D004285:Dogs; D005838:Genotype; D008864:Microsporum / Q000235:genetics*; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / Q000379:methods; D010641:Phenotype; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D015183:Restriction Mapping / Q000379:methods
D003470:Culture Media; D004271:DNA, Fungal