D.T.M. AGAR BASE (DERMATOPHYTE TEST AGAR BASE)

DTM Agar Base was developed by Taplin as a selective and differential medium for detection and identification of dermatophytes. On this medium identification of Dermatophytes are based on morphology and alkaline metabolites production. A combination of three antimicrobial agents (cycloheximide, chlortetracycline and gentamicin) inhibits bacteria and saprophytic yeasts and moulds.
The Dermatophytes are a distinct group of fungi that infect the hair, skin and nails of humans and animals producing a variety of cutaneous infections known as ringworm. Dermatophytes like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermatophyton are responsible for most of the cutaneous fungal infections. Dermatophytes are presumptively identified based on gross morphology and the production of alkaline metabolites, which raise the pH and cause the phenol red indicator to change the color of the medium from yellow to pink-red.

for selective isolation of dermatophytes