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Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

Summary

Researchers in Italy analyzed the genetic makeup of a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes that causes skin infections and appears to spread between people through sexual contact. The fungal strain studied was susceptible to all tested antifungal medications and shared similarities with a strain previously found in Moldova. This study helps doctors understand how this emerging fungal infection spreads globally and whether it’s developing resistance to treatments.

Background

Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) is an emerging dermatophyte causing ringworm infections, with recent cases reported among men who have sex with men in France and other countries. The species complex is clinically important due to its broad host range, widespread distribution, and increasing involvement in antifungal-resistant infections. This study characterizes a clinical TMVII strain isolated from Italy to expand knowledge of this emergent genotype.

Objective

To characterize the genome of a clinical Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain (PG12DES) isolated from Italy and investigate its virulence factors, antifungal susceptibility, and phylogenetic relationships with other T. mentagrophytes strains.

Results

The PG12DES strain was susceptible to all tested antifungal drugs including terbinafine and harbored a wild-type SQLE gene. The genome comprised 306 contigs with 23,117,013 bp total length and contained 7,187-8,267 protein-coding sequences including virulence factors MEP-1, MEP-2, MEP-3, MEP-4, SUB-6, and ZAF-A. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close clonal relationship to a T. mentagrophytes strain isolated in Moldova in 2017 with 99.83% OrthoANIu value.

Conclusion

This study provides in-depth genomic characterization of a TMVII strain from Italy and confirms the worldwide spread of this emerging genotype across Europe. The findings highlight the importance of genomic surveillance for monitoring TMVII epidemiology and detecting novel resistance traits. Results reinforce the need for continued genomic characterization to understand the evolution and transmission of this dermatophyte.
  • Published in:Medical Mycology,
  • Study Type:Genomic Characterization Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40577043, DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaf054
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