Detection of Fungal Toxins Produced by Dermatophytes by using Thin Layer Chromatography

Abstract

Dermatophyte fungi include a wide range of filamentous fungi that are pathogenic to humans including
three superficial cutaneous genera such as ; Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton. However,
the aim of this study isolation and identification of fungi responsible of dermatophytosis and detection of
the dermatophyte ability to produce mycotoxins. The results of this study showed that 49(69.01%) out of
71 specimens were gave positive results , while 22 (30.98%) were gave negative results by examination
on 10%KOH and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with cyclohexmaide. Out of 49 culture positive
isolates, 31(63.3%) T. rubrum isolates was the most frequent etiological agent followed by 11( 22.4%)
T.mentagrophytes ; 5(14.3%) M. canis and 2
(4.1%) Epidermophyton floccosum isolates. The use of the TLC method to detect of mycotoxins in chloroform
extracts for 49 dermatophyte mycelia. It was found all dermatophyte isolates are able to produce fluorescent
stains with different colors under UV light at 365 nm , also these stains may be act as a non-enzymatic
virulence indicator ( mycotoxins).