TRYCHOPHYTON spp.

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Ascomycota
Class: Euascomycetes
Order: Onygenales
Family: Arthrodermataceae
Genus: Trichophyton (teleomorph: Arthroderma)

Trichophyton is a dermatophyte which inhabits the soil, humans or animals. Related to its
natural habitats, the genus includes anthropophilic, zoophilic, and geophilic species. Some
species are cosmopolitan. Others have a restricted geographic distribution. Trichophyton
concentricum, for example, is endemic at Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and Central
America. Trichophyton is one of the leading causes of hair, skin, and nail infections in humans.

 SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

The genus Trichophyton is characterised morphologically by the development of

both smooth-walled macro- and microconidia. Conidia are asexually produced spores
that are borne externally to the cells that produce them. Relatively large and complex
conidia are termed macroconidia while the smaller and more simple conidia are
termed microconidia. Conidia are asexually produced spores that are borne externally
to the cells that produce them.

 DISEASE CAUSED –

RINGWORM a.k.a “tinea” or “dermatophytosis”

The different types of ringworm are usually named for the location of the infection on the body.

Areas of the body that can be affected by ringworm include:

 Feet (tinea pedis, commonly called “athlete’s foot”)

 Groin, inner thighs, or buttocks (tinea cruris, commonly called “jock itch”)

 Scalp (tinea capitis)

 Beard (tinea barbae)

 Face (tinea faciei)

 Hands (tinea manuum)

 Toenails or fingernails (tinea unguium, also called “onychomycosis”)

  Other parts of the body such as arms or legs (tinea corporis

 PATHOGENECITY AND ETIOLOGY

Dermatophytosis can affect all keratinized areas of the body (hair, skin and nails). Depending on
the region that is affected, the symptoms may vary. If hair is infected (tinea capitis, tinea
barbea), there may be hair loss (ectotrix) or breakage (endotrix). On the skin, lesions may look
circular or annular and elevated, producing a ringworm infection form. Zoophilic dermatophyte
infections are more inflammatory (vesicle, pustules and blisters) than those caused by
antropophilic dermatophytes. Infection of human nails may present as discoloration, dystrophy,
hyperkeratosis and occasionally onycholysis . The disease is not fatal. The main effects are
aesthetic and will persist until treated with the appropriate medication.

 MANIFESTATIONS, SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Ringworm can affect skin on almost any part of the body as well as fingernails and toenails. The
symptoms of ringworm often depend on which part of the body is infected, but they generally
include:

 Itchy skin
 Ring-shaped rash
 Red, scaly, cracked skin
 Hair loss

Symptoms typically appear between 4 and 14 days after the skin comes in contact with the
fungi.

Symptoms of ringworm by location on the body:

 Feet (tinea pedis or “athlete’s foot”): The symptoms of ringworm on the feet include
red, swollen, peeling, itchy skin between the toes (especially between the pinky toe and
the one next to it). The sole and heel of the foot may also be affected. In severe cases,
the skin on the feet can blister.
 Scalp (tinea capitis): Ringworm on the scalp usually looks like a scaly, itchy, red,
circular bald spot. The bald spot can grow in size and multiple spots might develop if the
infection spreads. Ringworm on the scalp is more common in children than it is in adults.
  Groin (tinea cruris or “jock itch”): Ringworm on the groin looks like scaly, itchy, red
spots, usually on the inner sides of the skin folds of the thigh.
 Beard (tinea barbae): Symptoms of ringworm on the beard include scaly, itchy, red
spots on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck. The spots might become crusted over or
filled with pus, and the affected hair might fall out.

 TREATMENT FOR DISEASE

The treatment for ringworm depends on its location on the body and how serious the infection
is. Some forms of ringworm can be treated with non-prescription (“over-the-counter”)
medications, but other forms of ringworm need treatment with prescription antifungal
medication.

 Ringworm on the skin like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) can
usually be treated with non-prescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied to
the skin for 2 to 4 weeks. There are many non-prescription products available to treat
ringworm, including:
o Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex)
o Miconazole (Aloe Vesta Antifungal, Azolen, Baza Antifungal, Carrington
Antifungal, Critic Aid Clear, Cruex Prescription Strength, DermaFungal, Desenex,
Fungoid Tincture, Micaderm, Micatin, Micro-Guard, Miranel, Mitrazol, Podactin,
Remedy Antifungal, Secura Antifungal)
o Terbinafine (Lamisil)
o Ketoconazole (Xolegel)

For non-prescription creams, lotions, or powders, follow the directions on the package label.
Contact your healthcare provider if your infection doesn’t go away or gets worse.

 Ringworm on the scalp (tinea capitis) usually needs to be treated with prescription
antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. Creams, lotions, or powders
don’t work for ringworm on the scalp. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat
ringworm on the scalp include:
o Griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG)
o Terbinafine
o Itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
o Fluconazole (Diflucan)