Point mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene of Indian ITS genotype VIII T. mentagrophytes identified after DNA isolation from infected scales

Abstract

Terbinafine resistant Indian ITS genotype VIII T. mentagrophytes strain was identified by partial sequencing of the squalene epoxidase gene using DNA isolated from infected scales. This method allowed the rapid identification of single point mutations within the squalene epoxidase gene, even before a fungal culture was obtained. Terbinafine resistance was indicated by the amino acid position switch Phe397Leu based on a single point mutation of the codon changing it from TTC to CTC. Keywords: Terbinafine resistance, Squalene epoxidase, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Indian ITS genotype VIII