Dermatophyte test medium: Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Dermatophyte Test Medium}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE:Dermatophyte Test Medium}} | ||
Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM) is a specialized culture medium used in the field of [[dermatology]] and [[microbiology]] to isolate and identify [[dermatophytes]], which are a type of [[fungi]] that cause [[skin]] infections known as [[dermatophytosis]]. These infections are commonly referred to as [[ringworm]] or [[tinea]]. | Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM) is a specialized culture medium used in the field of [[dermatology]] and [[microbiology]] to isolate and identify [[dermatophytes]], which are a type of [[fungi]] that cause [[skin]] infections known as [[dermatophytosis]]. These infections are commonly referred to as [[ringworm]] or [[tinea]]. | ||
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[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Microbiology]] | [[Category:Microbiology]] | ||
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File:DTM positive.jpg|DTM positive | |||
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Latest revision as of 05:59, 3 March 2025
Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM) is a specialized culture medium used in the field of dermatology and microbiology to isolate and identify dermatophytes, which are a type of fungi that cause skin infections known as dermatophytosis. These infections are commonly referred to as ringworm or tinea.
Composition[edit]
DTM is composed of a nutrient base that supports the growth of dermatophytes, along with indicators and inhibitors. The medium typically contains:
- Sabouraud dextrose agar as the nutrient base.
- Cycloheximide to inhibit the growth of non-dermatophyte fungi.
- Chloramphenicol to inhibit bacterial growth.
- Phenol red as a pH indicator.
The presence of phenol red allows for the detection of dermatophyte growth by a color change in the medium. Dermatophytes metabolize the nutrients in the medium, leading to an alkaline reaction that changes the color of the medium from yellow to red.
Procedure[edit]
To perform a dermatophyte test using DTM, the following steps are typically followed:
1. Sample Collection: A sample is collected from the infected area of the skin, hair, or nails using a sterile instrument. 2. Inoculation: The sample is inoculated onto the surface of the DTM. 3. Incubation: The inoculated medium is incubated at a temperature of 25-30°C for up to 14 days. 4. Observation: The medium is observed for growth and color change. A positive result is indicated by the growth of colonies and a color change to red.
Interpretation[edit]
A positive DTM result suggests the presence of dermatophytes. However, further identification of the specific species may require additional tests, such as microscopic examination or molecular techniques.
Applications[edit]
DTM is widely used in clinical laboratories for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. It is a valuable tool for veterinarians and dermatologists in identifying the causative agents of fungal infections in both humans and animals.
Limitations[edit]
While DTM is effective in isolating dermatophytes, it has limitations:
- False positives can occur due to the growth of non-dermatophyte fungi that also cause a color change.
- Some dermatophytes may not grow well on DTM, requiring alternative methods for confirmation.
Related pages[edit]
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DTM positive
