A new genotype of Arthroderma benhamiae.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) indicated 90% sequence similarities among human and animal isolates of Arthroderma benhamiae. In particular, greater than 99% similarity was noted in the nucleotide sequence among Americano-European race isolates, African race isolates, and five isolates from four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris). The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the five isolates from hedgehogs were included in the same cluster and distinct from the Americano-European and the African race standard strains of A. benhamiae. These results were confirmed by ITS analysis. Therefore, it was proposed that genotypes could be established for the isolates of A. benhamiae in association with the mating behavior.