Korean J Med Mycol.  1997 Jun;2(1):1-8.

Identification of Dermatophytes

• Kim KH

Abstract

Dermatophytes invade and destroy keratinized tissues of the skin, hairs and nails by keratinase. They are classified in 3 anamorphic genera, Epidermophyton, Microspoorum and Trichophyon, depending on their macroconidial characteristics. They have characteristic morphology of macroconidia and microconidia, and arrangement of microconidia. Dermatophytes can be divided into 3 groups, anthropophilic, zoophilic and geophilic, depending on their natural habits. By hair invasion behaviors, they can be divided into endothrix and ectothrix, and have different patters under Wood lamp illumiantion. Growth characteristics of fungi are important on identification. Important features of fungal colonies are growth rate at 25 ~30, color, topography, texture and pattern of colony folding. Nine species of dermatophytes have been identified in Korea and their chatracteristics were reviewed.

Keyword

Dermatophytes; Identification

MeSH Terms

Arthrodermataceae*
Epidermophyton
Fungi
Hair
Korea
Skin
Wood