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Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton: Definition, Differences and, Footages of Dermatophytes

Definition of Dermatophytes

Dermatophytes are a common label for a group of three types of keratinophilic fungi that infect keratinized tissues causing diseases known as dermatophytoses and they are TrichophytonMicrosporum, and Epidermophyton that commonly cause skin, nail, and hair disease in our body.

Fig. Tinea corporis, branching hyphae of dermatophytes, growth of Trichophyton, Epidermophyton in LPCB mount microscopic footage, and bamboo hyphae of Microsporum ferrugineum

Differences among Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton

The differences among Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton are as follows-

CharacterTrichophytonMicrosporum Epidermophyton
Site of infectionHair, nail, and skinHair and skin onlySkin and nail only
Colony morphology
on SDA
Powderly pigmentedCotton like pigmentedPowderly greenish-yellow
Spores
a. MicroconidiaAbundantRelatively scantyAbsent
b. MacroconidiaPencil or cylindrical shapedSpindle-shapedClub or pear-shaped
Table: Differences among Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton

Footages of Dermatophytes

Ringworm in the groin region of a patient

Fig. Ringworm in the groin region of a patient

Dermatophytes in KOH Mount of Skin scrapping

Fig. Dermatophytes in KOH Mount of Skin scrapping

Trichophyton colony characteristics

Fig. Trichophyton colony characteristics on DTM

Microsporum ferrugineum in LPCB Mount showing bamboo hyphae and the absence of both microconidia and macroconidia

Fig. Microsporum ferrugineum in LPCB Mount showing bamboo hyphae and the absence of both microconidia and macroconidia

Nail Dermatophytes in Nail Clipping KOH Mount Microscopy

Fig. Nail Dermatophytes in Nail Clipping KOH Mount Microscopy

Epidermophyton in LPCB Tease Mount

Fig. Epidermophyton in LPCB Tease Mount showing racquet hyphae and thin-walled macroconidia, chlamydospores, and absence of microconidia suggestive for E. floccosum

Further Reading

  1. Clinical Microbiology Procedure Handbook, Chief in editor H.D. Isenberg, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, Publisher ASM (American Society for Microbiology), Washington DC.
  2. A Text-Book of Medical Mycology. Editor: Jagdish Chandar, Publication Mehata, India.
  3. Medical Mycology. Editors:  Emmons and Binford, 2nd ed 1970, Publisher Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.
  4. Practical Laboratory Mycology. Editors: Koneman E.W. and G.D. Roberts, 3rd ed 1985, Publisher Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore.
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/epidermophyton
  6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264553316_Dermatophytosis_Causes_clinical_features_signs_and_treatment
  7. https://cmr.asm.org/content/cmr/8/2/240.full.pdf
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88888/
Medical Lab Notes

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