A case of kerion celsi due to Arthroderma benhamiae identified by DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 regions.

We describe a case of a 4-year-old boy with a 1-month history of a purulent lesion on his scalp. His hair samples revealed fungal organisms and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was cultured from the sample. We analysed the DNA sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of the isolated fungus. These sequences were in accordance with T. mentagrophytes animal 4 type. In mating experiments, our strain only responded to the Arthroderma benhamiae Americano-European race (+) mating type tester. We speculate that the patient was infected from contact with his pet guinea pig. This is the first case of a clinical isolate of A. benhamiae being identified by DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal ITS1 regions.