Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Amino acids have different effects on the growth of some dermatophytes. Some may increase and the others may inhibit their growth. The concentration of some amino acids is also an important factor for their effect. Therefore, we decided to investigate the effects of amino acids on the growth of two Iranian species of dermatophytes including epidermophyton floccosum and microsporum gypseum. Material & Method: In this experimental study, two concentrations(1gr/dl and 0.1gr/dl) of 23 amino acids were added to sabouraud glucose agar media of these dermatophytes. The experiment was carried out 3 times. After 2 weeks, the means of the colonies were compared with the mean of the control group which was made without adding any amino acids to sabouraud glucose agar media. Results: The results showed that L-cysteine hydrocholoride, L-cysteine, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid and DL-tryptophan had more inhibitory effects on the studied dermatophytes and the rest of amino acids had less inhibitory and even stimulating effects on the growth of the dermatophytes. Conclusion: Microsporum gypseum has more sensitivity to amino acids, in contrast to epidermophyton floccosum.