Epidermophyton floccosum is a filamentous dermatophytic fungus known to cause skin and nail infections in humans. It is an anthropophilic dermatophyte hence it is transmissible from one individual to another. Common infections
Epidermophyton floccosum is a filamentous dermatophytic fungus known to cause skin and nail infections in humans. It is an anthropophilic dermatophyte hence it is transmissible from one individual to another. Common infections caused by dermatophytes include tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea crusis, tinea corporis, and onychomycosis. It is the third most common cause of Tinea pedis (athletes foot).
Habitat of Epidermophyton floccosum
- It is an ascomycete and therefore it has a worldwide distribution.
- It commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions.
- It does not live in the soil.
- It is common in North America and Asian countries.
Figure: Epidermophyton floccosum. Image Source: Wikipedia and The University of Adelaide.
Morphological and Cultural Characteristics of Epidermophyton floccosum
- Growth in basic mycological medium, Epidermophyton floccosum grows slowly, producing greenish-brown or khaki-colored colonies, with a suede-like surface.
- The colonies have a centralized occurrence that is raised and folded, a flat periphery, and submerged fringe growth.
- Mature cultures produce white pleomorphic tufts of mycelium with a deep yellowish-brown reverse pigment.
- Microscopic observation shows smooth, thin-walled macroconidia occurring in clusters on the hyphal threads.
- They are also observed to be filamentous fungus, with septate and hyaline hyphae.
- The hyphae contain smooth, whin-walled, clavate, club-sh