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qPCR-Based Molecular Detection of Trichophyton indotineae by Targeting Divergent Sequences

Summary

Trichophyton indotineae is a dangerous fungal infection that causes ringworm and is increasingly resistant to common antifungal treatments. Scientists developed a rapid blood test-like diagnostic tool called qPCR that can accurately identify this specific fungus in less than 2 hours for just a few dollars. The test was created by comparing the genetic codes of different fungal species to find unique fingerprints that distinguish T. indotineae from similar-looking fungi.

Background

Trichophyton indotineae, formerly known as T. mentagrophytes ITS genotype VIII, has emerged as a highly virulent dermatophyte with resistance to antifungal treatments. Its accurate identification is challenging due to high phenotypic and genetic similarity with T. mentagrophytes and T. interdigitale. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is urgently needed due to increasing worldwide prevalence and treatment resistance.

Objective

To identify divergent and stable genomic sequences through whole-genome comparisons between T. indotineae and T. interdigitale to develop a specific qPCR-based diagnostic method for T. indotineae detection that avoids reliance on single nucleotide polymorphism analysis.

Results

Whole-genome comparison identified at least 22 unique T. indotineae sequences greater than 150 bp, with a 499 bp region showing maximum divergence. The qPCR assay achieved 93.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a detection limit of approximately 15 genomic copies and no cross-reactivity with non-T. indotineae species or human DNA.

Conclusion

A highly sensitive and specific qPCR assay was successfully developed for T. indotineae detection without requiring specialized SNP targeting. The assay provides rapid (2 hours) and cost-effective identification suitable for routine clinical laboratories, particularly in developing countries, and demonstrates the value of whole-genome comparison for identifying novel fungal taxa.
  • Published in:Mycopathologia,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11046-025-00939-5, PMID: 40178696
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