Abstract

CAPOTE, Ana María et al. Use of Litmus Milk® for the differentiation of the Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes species complex. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2017, vol.37, n.2, pp.78-81. ISSN 1315-2556.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of the Litmus Milk® medium for the differentiation of the Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes species complex. Fifty-two isolates of the genus Trichophyton were used. The identification at genus and species level was made according to their macro and micromorphological characteristics in culture. In addition, the urea hydrolysis as well as the growth and alkalinization of the Litmus Milk® medium were used. Forty-three isolates were identified as T. rubrum complex, which showed the morphological characteristics of the complex, restricted growth without alkalinization of Litmus Milk® agar, and negative urea hydrolysis. The remaining nine isolates were identified as T. mentagrophytes complex, and all showed the morphological characteristics of the complex, grew profusely and alkalinized the Litmus Milk® agar and hydrolyzed urea. Litmus Milk® can be used as a complementary tool for the differentiation of T. rubrum complex from the T. mentagrophytes complex.

Keywords : Litmus Milk®; Trichophyton rubrum complex; Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex; pleomorphism.

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