In this study, in vitro hair perforation activity and lytic effect on the wool in order to distinguish Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum were investigated

32 T.mentagrophytes and 26 T.rubrum strains were included in this study the strains were confirmed by macroscopical and microscopical examination and urease activity test. Baby hair for in vitro hair perforation and sheep wool for lytic effect on the wool were used. The hair was sterilised by autoclav and the sheep wool by ethilen oxide.

26 (81,2%) strains were positive for in vitro hair perforation although all T.mentagrophytes strains were positive for lytic effect on the wool and all T.rubrum strains were negative.

In conclusion, the lytic effect on the wool was more effective than the in vitro hair perforation test for disting uishing mentagrophytes from T.rubrum.