What is Microsporum Trichophyton?
Microsporum and Trichophyton are two genera of fungi that are commonly associated with dermatophytosis, which is a group of fungal infections that affect the skin, hair, and nails of humans and animals. These fungi are the primary causative agents of dermatophyte infections, also known as ringworm or tinea infections.
Both Microsporum and Trichophyton species are characterized by their ability to invade keratinized tissues, such as the outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails, where they obtain nutrients and cause infections. These infections present with symptoms like itching, redness, scaling, and the characteristic circular or ring-shaped appearance, which is why they are commonly referred to as “ringworm” infections.
What is Epidermophyton?
Epidermophyton is a genus of fungi that is also known for causing dermatophyte infections in humans. Like Microsporum and Trichophyton, Epidermophyton species are responsible for fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. These infections are collectively referred to as dermatophytosis or ringworm.
Epidermophyton species are known to infect the superficial layers of the skin, primarily the outermost layer called the epidermis. They can cause conditions such as tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm on the body), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). These infections are characterized by symptoms like itching, redness, scaling, and the formation of circular or ring-shaped rashes.
Difference Between Microsporum Trichophyton and Epidermophyton
- Microsporum and Trichophyton are genera of fungi within the family Arthrodermataceae. Epidermophyton is also a genus of fungi within the same family, but it comprises only two species: Epidermophyton floccosum and Epidermophyton stockdaleae.
- Microsporum species infect both humans and animals. Some species are more commonly associated with animal infections and can be transmitted to humans. Trichophyton species can infect humans and animals as well. They are diverse and can affect various body parts. Epidermophyton species primarily infect humans and are less commonly associated with animal infections.
- Microsporum species tend to affect primarily the hair and can lead to conditions like tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) and tinea corporis (ringworm on the body). Trichophyton species can infect the skin, hair, and nails, leading to conditions like athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and nail ringworm (tinea unguium). Epidermophyton species infect the skin and are commonly associated with conditions like jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm on the body (tinea corporis).
- Microsporum infections produce yellowish-green fluorescent colors under ultraviolet (UV) light. Trichophyton infections do not fluoresce under UV light. Epidermophyton infections also do not fluoresce under UV light.
- There are several species within the Microsporum and Trichophyton genera, each with its own unique characteristics and geographic distribution. Epidermophyton is a less diverse genus with only two recognized species.
Comparison Between Microsporum Trichophyton and Epidermophyton
| Parameters of Comparison | Microsporum Trichophyton | Epidermophyton |
|---|---|---|
| Genus | Microsporum/Trichophyton | Epidermophyton |
| Common Infections | Ringworm (Tinea) | Ringworm (Tinea) |
| Dermatophyte Group | Yes | Yes |
| Species | Multiple species (e.g., M. canis, T. rubrum) | One species (e.g., E. floccosum) |
| Transmission | Animals (e.g., cats, dogs), soil | Humans |
- https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article-abstract/138/4/576/6683003
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923181103001506
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