Successful mating of Microsporum distortum with Nannizzia otae

[A brief history of time: 1945-2008--studies, manuscripts, and publications]

I (the author), Tadahiko Matsumoto, who is a winner of the 2008 Japanese Society for Medical Mycology (JSMM) Award, was born in 1945 and graduated in 1969 from Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan with an M.D. degree. At the Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University I studied dermatology and medical mycology. In Tokyo (1970-1971) at the Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Hygienic Sciences I learned general mycology. During the period from 1981 to 1983 I further studied medical mycology at the Division of Mycotic Diseases (Director: Dr. Libero Ajello), Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. During the period from 1991 to 2005 while working as Director of Dermatology of Toshiba Hospital in Tokyo I was affiliated with several medical schools as a clinical and adjunct professor. Being a unique physician-scientist eager to publish my manuscripts in highly-regarded mycology journals, my studies were accurately reported as to description, taxonomy, and identification. My articles were published in journals carefully chosen for my purposes. As I became better known, I was frequently invited to contribute review articles in leading journals and chapters in authoritative textbooks of dermatology, infectious diseases, and microbiology. I was also invited to be a member and/or chairperson of various symposia in international congresses and one of the lecturers in seminars. I have established many friendly personal relationships among scientists, and we are always ready to help each other whenever necessary.

Phylogenetic relationships of some Microsporum and Arthroderma species inferred from mitochondrial DNA analysis

Thirty-eight strains of 12 Microsporum and 10 Arthroderma (Nannizzia) species were investigated by analysis of mitochondrial DNA with 6 restriction enzymes, and classified into 13 genetic groups. The phylogenetic tree of the 13 groups thus established was constructed. On the tree, M. audouinii, M. langeronii, M. rivalieri, M. distortum, M. equinum, M. ferrugineum and A. otae comprise one genetic group and are suggested to be the same species. A. gypseum, A. fulvum, M. duboisii, M. ripariae, A. incurvatum, A. persicolor and A. obtusum are clustered on one of five boughs of the tree indicating their close relation. A. racemosum and A. cajetani are also closely related.

Preliminary report on the isolation of a dysgonic variety of Microsporum canis together with the normal variety from a cattery

The isolation of a dysgonic variety of Microsporum canis from a large number of cats and kittens in a cattery is described. The normal variety of this fungus was isolated at the same time from the same animals. Dysgonic varieties are thought to be mutants of normal strains, but this isolation of both forms together suggests that the relationship may be more complex.

Biotypes of the dermatophyte Microsporum distortum

During a study of the epidemiology of Microsporum canis and closely related species, sub-specific variation was demonstrated within thirteen isolates of Microsporum distortum based on the pattern of carbohydrate utilization. Strains from three continents could be differentiated by their utilization of trehalose and erythritol. Isolates from New Zealand yielded the same patterns as M. canis (Arthroderma otae (-)); examination of 120 isolates indicated that M. canis could not be biotyped by carbohydrate utilization, although limited variation had been noted. Examination of total native protein patterns by gel electrophoresis showed that variations existed within the M. distortum group; the much larger number of M. canis (A. otae (-)) strains had appeared to be homogenous.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of some Microsporum species

The paper reports observations made of various Microsporum species during a PAGE pattern study of the epidemiology of Microsporum canis. It is shown that M. audouinii can readily be distinguished from M. canis but that M. equinum is more difficult to separate. M. rivalierii was distinguishable from M. audouinii, confirming previous reports. M. distortum could not be separated from M. canis by PAGE gels of total protein or by isozyme patterns generated. There are particular problems with studies of that type on dermatophyte protein in that the intrinsic proteases degrade the preparations.

Microsporum canis with polymorphous macroconidia

An atypical strain of Microsporum canis was isolated in our laboratory, which was characterized by a variety of polymorphous macroconidia. These are demonstrated by illustrations. Based on our observation and literature, the relationship between Microsporum canis and Microsporum distortum is discussed. Epidemiologic aspects are mentioned.

Identification and serotyping of Microsporum canis isolates by monoclonal antibodies

Hybridoma cells were produced by fusing mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells from mice primed with an exoantigen of Microsporum canis. Three clones produced antibodies which were examined by the Western blot technique for their potential usefulness in the identification of M. canis isolates and differentiation of strains within the species. Based on reactions with immunological determinants, all of the M. canis isolates tested presented either species- or strain-specific domains. Monoclonal antibodies proved to be useful reagents for the identification of M. canis isolates and for the differentiation of strains within the species. A purified antigen depleted of common antigenic determinants was obtained in affinity chromatography by using monoclonal antibody.