Comparative studies on keratinase production of Trichophyton mentagrophytes strains of animal origin.

Over a period of 28 days, 10 Trichophyton mentagrophytes strains were examined for their ability to secrete keratinolytic enzymes. Production of enzymes was stimulated by various keratins used as substrates. Duration and intensity of keratinase secretion were strongly influenced by the keratinous substrate. Duration and intensity of the enzyme production also differed among the 10 dermatophyte strains. Five different enzymes were isolated with molecular weights ranging from 28 kDa to 65 kDa. The different enzymes might be produced by different varieties of the species Trichophyton mentagrophytes.