Dermatophytes

Dermatophytes

1. Microsporum

   • M. nanum
     • Microscopic Appearance
       • Microconidia: Club-shaped
       • Macroconidia: 4-8 x 12-18 microns, rough thin walls, egg-shaped with 1-3 cells (usually 2)
   • M. gypseum
     • Microscopic Appearance
       • Macroconidia: 8-16 x 22-30 microns, moderately thick walls with 6 or less compartments
       • Microconidia: Few, club-shaped
   • M. canis
     • Microscopic Appearance
       • Macroconidia: 10-25 x 35-100 microns, spindle-shaped with rough thick walls and knob-like ends, produces 6 or more compartments
       • Microconidia: Few, club-shaped, sessile

2. Epidermophyton

   • Found only in skin and nails of man
     • Macroconidia: 7-12 x 20-40 microns; smooth-walled, club-shaped
     • Microconidia: Not produced

3. Trichophyton

   • T. mentagrophytes
     • Microscopic Appearance
       • Microconidia: Round or tear drop-shaped, single celled; Usually abundant; May possess spiral hyphae
       • Macroconidia: 4-8 x 20-50 microns, thin smooth walls, cigar-shaped; May have 1-6 compartments, few in number
   • T. verrucosum
     • Microscopic Appearance: Conidia production is rare
       • Macroconidia: Few in number, long, and thin-walled, "string bean shape"
       • Microconidia: Abundant on proper media; Small club-shaped
       • Terminal ends of hyphae may be broad and club-shaped producing the "antler" affect
   • T. equinum
     • Microscopic Appearance
       • Macroconidia: Resembles T. mentagrophytes; Few conidia produced on primary isolation.
       • Microconidia: Thin, elongated, sessile

Images and files in the map