ROUTINE NUTRITIONAL TESTS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF DERMATOPHYTES

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Abstract
Nutritional patterns were established for a number of Tricho-phyton species that permit their ready identification. The methods developed are essentially those used to determine nutritional requirements. Although the tests require the use of acid-cleaned glassware, the preparation of the media and the procedures for their use are simple and can be easily carried out in any medical diagnostic laboratory. The test media consist of either casein or NH4NO3-dextrose agar to which are added various vitamin or amino acid solutions which may be prepared in advance and kept on hand for addition to the basal media as needed. A four tube test is described for the differentiation of the following slow growing, non-sporulating dermatophytes Trichophyton verrucosum, T. schoenleinli, and T. concentricum. A two tube test is useful in the identification of T. tonsurans, and in its differentiation from T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Special nutritional tests have been developed for the identification of T. megninli and T. equinum.
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