Epidemiological data and molecular characterization (mtDNA) of Sporothrix schenckii in 13 cases from Mexico.

BACKGROUND

Sporotrichosis is an endemic mycosis in Mexico and Central America.

OBJECTIVES

To present epidemiological data and characterize molecular subtypes of 13 strains of Sporothrix schenckii, and to correlate clinical and epidemiologic presentation with subtypes.

METHODOLOGY: Thirteen Mexican cases of sporotrichosis were identified, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from clinical isolates of S. schenckii were analyzed using RFLP Hae III. Molecular types 2, 3, 14, 28, and 29 were observed.

RESULTS

Clinical presentations and molecular types were consistent with established epidemiologic patterns for S. schenckii in this region.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation provides further evidence of the strong regional specificity of molecular types of this organism.