Description:
The dermatophytes cause infections of the hair, skin and nails, and include the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum (hair and skin only), and Epidermophyton (skin and nails only). Except for certain Trichophyton species, they produce either macro- or microconidia (types of fungal spores).
Common Species:
- Trichophyton rubrum
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Epidermatophyton floccosum
- Trichophyton tonsurans
- Microsporum canis
- Trichophyton verrucosum
- Microsporum gypseum
Epidemiology and Disease
Infections by these organisms are common and are known as “ringworm” or “tinea” (Latin word for worm). They are called ringworm because of the characteristic appearance of a ring of outer, active infection surrounding the inner part which is healing. The areas of the body that can be infected are:
- Body – Tinea corporis
- Groin area – Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Scalp and hair – Tinea capitis
- Beard – Tinea barbarae
- Nails – Tinea unguium
- Feet – Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
