Trichophyton

mentagrophytes Complex(Fungus, Dermatophyte)

Ecology: T.mentagrophytes is recognized as having two
variants. Anthropophilic isolates prefer man to animals while the
zoophilic isolates primarily infect animals. Small rodents appear
to be the primary reservoir for the animal variety. Trichophyton
mentagrophytes is a cosmopolitan fungus (found everywhere).
Macroscopic Morphology: T.mentagrophytes exhibits
moderately rapid growth and matures within 6 10
days. Sources have previously described anthropophilic isolates
having a downy, powdery or even fluffy texture while zoophilic
isolated were more granular in appearance. Colonies may vary in
colour from white to cream or yellowish. The reverse also can
vary from yellow to reddish brown to brown or ochre, depending
on isolate and medium.
Trichoph
yton

5 days
at 30oC

mentagrophytes growth on SAB

Trichophyton
days growth on SAB at 30oC

mentagrophytes - 14

Microscopic Morphology: Trichophyton

mentagrophytes produces septate hyphae from which branched
conidiophores extend. Sessile (not on stalk) microconidia are
produced in rather dense, grape-like clusters on the
conidiophores. The microconidia (~2m to 4m) are spherical to
pyriform in shape. Macroconidia (20-50m to 6-8m) are cigar to
club shaped and may show exhibit some distortion. Macroconidia
have a smooth exterior and are thin walled, usually have between
3 to 8 cells dividing the interior. Macroconidia may be found more
readily in younger cultures. Production of both micro & macro
conidia may vary with the isolate. Coiled or spiral hyphae may be
present and in some strains, structures described as nodular
bodies or chlamydospores may be present.

T.mentagrophytes
showing sessile microconidia
along
septate hyphae.
Note 100m bar in upper right of this and several other photos.
(400x, LPCB)