Effect of storage temperature on viability of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in infected guinea pig skin scales.

The effect of storage temperature on the viability of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in infected guinea pig skin scales was quantitatively evaluated for 182 days. Infected skin scales were stored, while protected from light, in glass containers with desiccant at four temperatures and sampled after saline treatment at various time intervals. No decrease in viability was observed for storage at 4 degrees C, room temperature, or 30 degrees C. Storage at 37 degrees C resulted in a significant loss in viability.