Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that commonly cause skin infections, known as ringworm, in humans and animals. There are three main genera - Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton. Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte isolated from humans. Dermatophyte infections include athlete's foot, ringworm of the body/limbs, scalp, face, and hands. Symptoms vary by location but include scaly rashes and skin/hair/nail abnormalities. Transmission occurs via direct contact or contaminated surfaces. Treatment involves antifungal creams, ointments or oral medications.

1. DERMATOPHYTE
Dermatophytes (derived from greek "δέρματος" (dermatos), from "δέρμα", which means "skin"
and -"phyte", from "phutón", meaning "plant" ) are a common label for a group of three types
of fungus that commonly causes skin disease in animals and humans.
These anamorphic (asexual or imperfect fungi) genera are:
● microsporum,
● epidermophyton and
● trichophyton.
there are about 40 species in these three genera. About 76% of the dermatophyte species isolated
from humans are trichophyton rubrum. 27% are trichophyton mentagrophytes. 7%
are trichophyton verrucosum. 3% are trichophyton tonsurans
● Dermatophytes cause infections of the skin, hair and nails, obtaining nutrients
from keratinized material. The organisms colonize the keratin tissues causing
inflammation as the host responds to metabolic by-products.
● Colonies of dematophytes are usually restricted to the nonliving cornified layer of
the epidermis due to their inability to penetrate viable tissue of an immunocompetent host.
● invasion does elicit a host response ranging from mild to severe.
● Some of these skin infections are known as ringworm or tinea. Toenail and fingernail
infections are referred to as onychomycosis. Dermatophytes usually do not invade living
tissues, but colonize the outer layer of the skin. Occasionally the organisms do
invade subcutaneous tissues, resulting in kerion development.
Types of dermatophyte infections
1. Tinea pedis or athlete's foot
athlete’s foot — also called tinea pedis — is a contagious fungal infection that affects the
skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails and sometimes the hands. The fungal infection is
called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes. Athlete’s foot isn’t serious, but
sometimes it’s hard to cure. However, if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system and
suspect that you have athlete’s foot, you should call your doctor immediately.
Cause :-
Athlete's foot is a form of dermatophytosis (fungal infection of the skin), caused
by dermatophytes, fungi (most of which are mold) which inhabit dead layers of skin and digests

2. keratin. Dermatophytes are anthropophilic, meaning these parasitic fungi prefer human hosts.
Athlete's foot is most commonly caused by the molds known as Trichophyton rubrum and T.
mentagrophytes, but may also be caused by Epidermophyton floccosum. Most cases of athlete's
foot in the general population are caused by T. rubrum; however, the majority of athlete's foot
cases in athletes are caused by T. mentagrophytes. Athlete’s foot occurs when the tinea fungus
grows on the feet. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person or by
touching contaminated surfaces. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and is
commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools.
Symptoms
There are many possible symptoms of athlete’s foot. You may experience one or more of
the following symptoms:
● Itching, stinging, and burning between the toes
● Itching, stinging, and burning on the soles of the feet
● Blisters on the feet that itch
● Cracking and peeling skin on the feet, most commonly between the toes and on the soles
● Dry skin on the soles or sides of the feet
● Raw skin on the feet
● Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
● Toe nails that pull away from the nail bed
Spread:
Fungus exists harmlessly on human skin, however as long as the skin is dry and clean,
their reproduction it limited. Under damp and warm conditions they multiply rapidly.
● Thick, tight shoes are more likely to trigger athlete’s foot because they squeeze the toes
together, creating ideal conditions for the finger to thrive.
● Plastic shoes are more dangerous than leather or canvass shoes.
● If socks are damp and feet are warm there is greater risk of developing athlete’s foot..
2. Ringworm of the body or tinea corporis
Symptoms:-
The symptoms of ringworm include:

3. ● A ring-like red or silvery rash on your skin – your skin will look red and irritated around
the ring, but healthy inside
● Scaly, itchy and inflamed skin
In more severe cases:
● The rings may multiply, grow in size and merge together
● The rings may feel slightly raised and the skin underneath may be itchy
● Blisters and pus-filled sores may form around the rings
The ring spreads outwards as it progresses. You can have one patch or several patches of
ringworm, and in more serious cases, your skin may become raised and blistered.
Spread:-
This ringworm infection can be spread in many direct and indirect ways, including:
 Person to person: direct contact with the skin of a person infected with ringworm
● Pet/animal to person: direct contact with an infected pet. Both dogs and cats can spread
the infection to people. Ferrets, horses, rabbits, goats, and pigs can also spread ringworm
to people.
● Inanimate item to person: indirect contact with objects, including hair of an infected
person, bedding, clothing, shower stalls, and floors
● Soil to person: rarely, a ringworm infection can be spread through contact with highly
infected soil for an extended amount of time
3. Tinea faciei or facial ringworm
Facial ringworm (tinea faciei), also known as tinea faciale or ringworm of the face, is a
common, non-cancerous (benign) fungal infection of the surface (superficial) skin of the face.
Facial ringworm may be passed to humans by direct contact with infected people, infected
animals, contaminated objects (such as towels) or the soil.
Signs and symptoms
The most common locations for facial ringworm include the following:
● Cheeks
● Nose
● Around the eye
● Chin
● Forehead

4. Facial ringworm appears as one or more pink-to-red scaly patches ranging in size from 1 to 5 cm.
The border of the affected skin may be raised and may contain bumps, blisters, or scabs. Often,
the center of the lesion has normal-appearing skin with a ring-shaped edge, leading to the
nickname "ringworm," even though it is not caused by a worm. Facial ringworm can be itchy,
and it may get worse or feel sunburned after exposure to the sun.
4. Tinea capitis or scalp ringworm
Scalp ringworm (tinea capitis) is a common mild infection of the scalp and hair that
appears as scaly spots and patches of broken hair on the head. Caused by a fungus, it is most
commonly seen in children. Scalp ringworm may be passed among humans by direct contact
with infected people or with contaminated objects (such as combs, pillows, and sofas). Less
commonly, the fungus may be spread from infected animals (especially cats or dogs) or from the
soil. Though several different types of fungus may cause scalp ringworm, they are generally
known as dermatophytes.
Signs and symptoms
The most common locations for scalp ringworm include:
● Scalp
● Eyebrow (rare)
● Eyelashes (very rare)
Scalp ringworm appears as one or more round to oval areas covered with gray sheets of skin
(scale) and is often accompanied by hair loss. The patches may be red and inflamed, and small
pus-filled bumps (pustules) may appear. Also, tiny black dots may appear on the surface of the
scalp, consisting of broken hairs.certain areas (lymph nodes) at the back of the scalp, behind the
ears, or along the sides of the neck may be swollen.
One complication of scalp ringworm is a kerion, which is a large, oozing, pus-filled lump. If not
treated aggressively, a kerion can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
Scalp ringworm is usually itchy.

5. Treatments: scalp ringworm is treated with oral antifungal medicines because the fungus
invades deep into the hair follicle, where topical creams and lotions cannot penetrate. Scalp
ringworm usually requires at least 6–8 weeks of treatment with oral antifungal pills or syrup.
5. Tinea manuum or ringworm of the hands
Hand fungus is medically referred to as tinea manuum, which means “ringworm of the hand”. It
is caused by a class of fungi known as dermatophytes.
Signs and symptoms
Hand fungus typically appears as a skin rash on the hands and the fingers. This rash can have the
following features:
▪ Itch: the rash in tinea manuum is intensely itchy.
▪ Dry skin: the dryness of the skin may result in peeling. This is most commonly seen in
infections due to anthropophilic fungi.
▪ Reddish ring: the main visible characteristic of tinea manuum is a ring-shaped rash that
is circumscribed with a raised reddish border.
▪ Blisters: patches of tiny blisters may arise on the hands and fingers. These blisters may
also start oozing.
▪ Skin discoloration: when a chronic rash heals, the skin in the affected region might
appear to be discolored.

6. CANDIDA
Candida is a genus of yeasts and is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide.
Many species are harmless commensals or endosymbionts of hosts including humans; however,
when mucosal barriers are disrupted or the immune system is compromised they can invade and
cause disease (candidiasis). The genus Candida includes more than 150 species. There are over
20 species of candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans, the most common of which
are Candida albicans, C.glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei.
Candida yeasts normally reside in the intestinal tract and can be found on mucous
membranes and skin without causing infection; however, overgrowth of these organisms can
cause symptoms to develop. Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area of the body
that is infected.
Types of candidiasis
1. Oropharyngeal / esophageal candidiasis ("thrush")
Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called "thrush" or oropharyngeal
candidiasis. The most common symptom of oral thrush is white patches or plaques on the tongue
and other oral mucous membranes. This infection is uncommon among healthy adults.
Symptoms:-
Candida infections of the mouth and throat can manifest in a variety of ways. The most
common symptom of oral thrush is white patches or plaques on the tongue and other oral mucous
membranes. Other symptoms include:
● Redness or soreness in the affected areas
● Difficulty swallowing
● Cracking at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
Source:-
Candida species are normal inhabitants of the mouth, throat, and the rest of the
gastrointestinal tract. Usually, candida yeasts live in and on the body in small amounts and do
not cause any harm. However, the use of certain medications or a weakening of the immune
system can cause candida to multiply, which may cause symptoms of infection.
2. Cutaneous candidiasis:

7. The candida fungus is one of these potentially harmful organisms. When an overgrowth
of candida develops on the skin, an infection can occur. This condition is known as candidiasis
of the skin, or cutaneous candidiasis.
Candidiasis of the skin often causes a red, itchy rash to form, most commonly in the folds of the
skin. This rash may also spread to other areas of the body.
Symptoms:
A candida infection of the skin can cause intense itching. Symptoms also include:
● Red, growing skin rash
● Rash on the skin folds, middle of the body, and other areas of skin
● Infection of the hair follicles that may look like pimples
● Blisters and pustules may also occur
3. Invasive Candidiasis
Invasive candidiasis is a serious infection that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes,
bones, and other parts of the body. Candidemia, a bloodstream infection with candida, is a
common infection in hospitalized patients.
Symptoms:-
People who develop invasive candidiasis are often already sick from other medical
conditions, so it can be difficult to know which symptoms are related to a candida infection.
However, the most common symptoms of invasive candidiasis are fever and chills that don’t
improve after antibiotic treatment for suspected bacterial infections. Other symptoms can
develop if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, eyes, bones,
or joints.
Treatment and prevention of candidiasis:-
Candidiasis isn't normally a dangerous disease except in rare cases when it enters the
blood and spreads to vital organs of people with weakened immune systems.
For infection of the skin, your doctor can give you an antifungal cream or powder or prescribe
you an antifungal pill. For severe cases, antifungal medication taken by mouth for several days
may be needed.

8. ASPERGILLOSIS
Aspergillosis is a disease caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of fungus) that lives
indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick.
However, people with weakened immune systems or lung diseases are at a higher risk of
developing health problems due to Aspergillus. There are approximately 180 species
of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillus
fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections. Other common species
include A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger.
Causes
Aspergillus mold is unavoidable. Outdoors, it's found in decaying leaves and compost
and on plants, trees and grain crops. Inside, the spores — the reproductive parts of mold —
thrive in air conditioning and heating ducts, insulation, and some food and spices.
Everyday exposure to aspergillus is rarely a problem for people with healthy immune
systems. When mold spores are inhaled, immune system cells surround and destroy them. But
people who have a weakened immune system from illness or immunosuppressant medications
have fewer infection-fighting cells. This allows aspergillus to take hold, invading the lungs and,
in the most serious cases, other parts of the body. Aspergillosis is not contagious from person to
person.
Types of aspergillosis and their symptoms:
Different types of aspergillosis affect the body in different ways and have different
symptoms.
1. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (abpa)
Aspergillus causes inflammation in the lungs.
Symptoms:-
Symptoms of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (abpa) can include:
● shortness of breath
● Wheezing
● Fatigue
● A cough that brings up thick lumps of mucus
● Generally feeling unwell
If you also have asthma, this may become more difficult to control with medication.

9. Symptoms of severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (safs) include:
● Persistent wheezing
● Severe breathlessness
● A persistent blocked or runny nose
2. Allergic aspergillus sinusitis:
Aspergillus causes inflammation in the sinuses.
Symptoms:-
● Stuffiness
● Runny nose
● Headache
● Reduced ability to smell
3. Aspergilloma:
It is also called a “fungus ball.” As the name suggests, it is a ball of aspergillus that
grows in the lungs or sinuses, but usually does not spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms:-
● Cough,
● Coughing up blood ,
● Shortness of breath.
4. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis:
A long-term (3 months or more) condition in which aspergillus can cause cavities in the
lungs. One or more fungal balls (aspergillomas) may also be present in the lungs.
Symptoms:-
In the early stages, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (cpa) may not have any symptoms.
Those that may develop later include:
● Shortness of breath
● A persistent cough
● coughing up blood
● unintentional weight loss
● Feeling very tired and run down
If a ball of fungus (aspergilloma) develops in the lungs, symptoms can include coughing up
blood, a persistent cough, and a slightly raised temperature.

10. 5. Invasive aspergillosis:
A serious infection that usually affects people who have weakened immune systems, such
as people who have had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant. Invasive aspergillosis most
commonly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms:
● Fever
● Chest pain
● Cough
● Coughing up blood
● Shortness of breath
● Other symptoms can develop if the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the
body.
6. Cutaneous (skin) aspergillosis:
Aspergillus enters the body through a break in the skin (for example, after surgery or a
burn wound) and causes infection, usually in people who have weakened immune systems.
Cutaneous aspergillosis can also occur if invasive aspergillosis spreads to the skin from
somewhere else in the body, such as the lungs