Phenotypic and molecular genetic properties of <i>Microsporum canis</i>

Abstract

Long-term studies (2012–2018) of cultures of microscopic fungi (dermatomycetes) isolated from clinically sick cats were carried out. Samples of biomaterial were taken from domestic animals with signs of skin and coat damage in veterinary clinics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Molecular genetic studies, species identification and determination of the properties of selected cultures were carried out in accordance with the approved methodological recommendations and with the use of determinants of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic fungi. Cultural-morphological (phenotypic), keratinolytic, biochemical and molecular genetic properties of the main species of microscopic fungi that cause dermatomycosis – Microsporum canis were studied. As a result of research, four strains of the fungus Microsporum canis , 13 Kz, 376 Kz, 384 Kz, and 428 Kz, were obtained. The studied strains were characterized by a variety of phenotypic properties (they formed colonies with different morphology on nutrient media and had a different color of air and substrate mycelium), as well as similar microstructures (they had septate bamboolike mycelium with characteristic branching, bilayer spindle-shaped macroconidia), biochemical properties (the presence of high saccharolytic and urease activity) and keratinolytic activity. Phenotypic characteristics fully corresponded to the culture of the microscopic fungus Microsporum canis . Molecular genetic studies established the identity of the sequences of the obtained strains of the fungus Microsporum canis 13 Kz, 376 Kz, 384 Kz and 428 Kz with the sequences of strains EU181444.1, EF581130.1 and EF581129.1 published in GenBank. Molecular genetic studies made it possible to identify the cultures of dermatomycetes that were obtained as an anamorphic stage of Microsporum canis , as well as a teleomorph known as Arthroderma otae .