First draft genome sequence of the emerging sexually transmitted dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals that four Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII isolates from the UK form a highly clonal population distinct from other dermatophyte genotypes.

• Why it matters: Understanding the genetic makeup of emerging dermatophyte strains is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies, especially for sexually transmitted infections.
• What they did: Researchers performed whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis on four TMVII isolates from UK patients, including contextual isolates from a canine infection and T. indotineae, to assess genetic relatedness.
• The result: TMVII strains are highly clonal and genetically distinct from zoophilic T. mentagrophytes genotype I/II and T. indotineae, informing epidemiological understanding of this emerging pathogen.