The new species concept in dermatophytes
Published: January 30th, 2008
Revised: August 4th, 2009
Abstract
The dermatophytes are among the most frequently observed organisms in biomedicine, yet there has never been stability in the taxonomy, identification and naming of the approximately 25 pathogenic species involved. Since the identification of these species is often epidemiologically and ethically important, the difficulties in dermatophyte identification are a fruitful topic for modern molecular biological investigation, done in tandem with renewed investigation of phenotypic characters. Molecular phylogenetic analyses such as multilocus sequence typing have had to be tailored to accommodate differing the mechanisms of speciation that have produced the dermatophytes that are commonly seen today. Even so, some biotypes that were unambiguously considered species in the past, based on profound differences in morphology and pattern of infection, appear consistently not to be distinct species in modern molecular analyses. Most notable among these are the cosmopolitan bane of nails and feet, Trichophyton rubrum, and the endemic African agent of childhood tinea capitis, Trichophyton soudanense, which are effectively inseparable in all analyses. The molecular data require some reinterpretation of results seen in conventional phenotypic tests, but in most cases, phylogenetic insight is readily integrated with current laboratory testing procedures.
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Unmatched research experience in environmental and medical fungi
Published: January 6th, 2008
Revised: August 4th, 2009
Sporometrics Inc. is a privately owned Canadian company that provides microbiological testing services for environmental matrices including air, fluids and solid materials. Since its inception in 1993, Sporometrics has been an industry leader in basic and applied scientific research on biomedical, industrial and environmental microbes. As an independent laboratory, we assist consulting and engineering firms, industry, and government by providing objective scientifically-based assessments. We do not compete with our clients.
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World renowned experts
Published: January 4th, 2008
Revised: August 4th, 2009
At the heart of our commercial research and service engine are Dr. James Scott and Dr. Richard Summerbell, both world renowned scientists specialized in mycology with extensive experience in other areas of microbiology.
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Peerless qualifications
Published: January 3rd, 2008
Revised: December 25th, 2009
At Sporometrics, we take education and training seriously. Over two-thirds of our staff are degreed scientists, most with post-graduate training in mycology, microbiology and molecular genetics. Our senior scientific Staff, Dr. Scott and Dr. Summerbell, both hold professional certifications with the Canadian College of Microbiologists.
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State-of-the-art laboratory & facilities
Published: January 2nd, 2008
Revised: August 9th, 2009
Sporometrics is located in a 3,500 square foot, purpose-built state-of-the-art laboratory facility located in the historic factory district in downtown Toronto’s Liberty Village.
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