Identification of Trichophyton benhamiae by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. First report in Peru

Alvarado L.; Quiroz-Reyna M.; Quiroz-Chunga G.; Castillo-Aguilar W.; Quedo-Salazar F. · Indian Journal of Microbiology Research (2024) · DOI: 10.18231/j.ijmr.2024.010

Resumen

Trichophyton benhamiae is an emerging zoophilic dermatophyte that mainly infects skin and scalp and has been reported in Asia, America and Europe. It has two phenotypic variants: one with white colonies and the other with yellow colonies. Morphological identification of Trichophyton benhamiae is not sufficient and can be confused with Microsporum canis or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Genomic or proteomic analysis is required to establish a definitive identification. We present three dermatophyte strains obtained from the skin, nails and scalp of human infections in which macroscopic and microscopic examinations were not sufficient to identify the species. The final identification of Trichophyton benhamiae was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This is the first report of Trichophyton benhamiae in Peru.