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.