Dermatophytes that infect keratinized skin and nails are likely to belong to which genus?

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Prepare for your Manor Preboards Module 6 Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations.

Multiple Choice

Dermatophytes that infect keratinized skin and nails are likely to belong to which genus?

Explanation:
The key idea is tissue preference among dermatophyte genera. Epidermophyton is the genus that infects only keratinized skin and nails and does not invade hair. This makes it the classic cause of infections like tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis. In contrast, Trichophyton and Microsporum commonly involve skin and hair (tinea capitis is a typical example), so they’re more often associated with infections beyond just nails and skin. Trichosporon isn’t a dermatophyte and isn’t the usual cause of keratinized-skin or nail infections. So, for infections limited to skin and nails, Epidermophyton fits best.

The key idea is tissue preference among dermatophyte genera. Epidermophyton is the genus that infects only keratinized skin and nails and does not invade hair. This makes it the classic cause of infections like tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis. In contrast, Trichophyton and Microsporum commonly involve skin and hair (tinea capitis is a typical example), so they’re more often associated with infections beyond just nails and skin. Trichosporon isn’t a dermatophyte and isn’t the usual cause of keratinized-skin or nail infections. So, for infections limited to skin and nails, Epidermophyton fits best.

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