10. Fungal Infections of the Skin Fungal infections of the skin…

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Question Answered step-by-step 10. Fungal Infections of the Skin Fungal infections of the skin… 10. Fungal Infections of the Skin Fungal infections of the skin limited to the stratum corneum, hair and nails are termeddermatophytoses. These cutaneous mycoses are more commonly called ringworm or tinea andhave various degrees of virulence. About 40 species of fungi are linked to these infections andall belong to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Dermatophytes in the genus Trichophyton primarily target hair, skin, and nails. Those in thegenus Microsporum invade scalp hair and skin, but not nails. Fungal species classified in thegenus Epidermophyton target skin and nails, but not hair. The transmission route variesdepending on the actual genera. For example, some species are only transmitted horizontallyfrom human to human. Others may be transmitted from soil to human, while some can betransmitted from animals to humans. Differentiation of dermatophytes may be difficult due, in part, to similar morphology. Sporemorphology can be used to distinguish some species due to the variety expressed in the shape,color, or size. Large spores are termed macroconidia, and small spores are termedmicroconidia. Selective media may also be used when culturing specimens to aid in the speciesdiagnosis. Questions: 1) How does the stratum corneum differ from other layer of the epidermis?    2) List at least five of the seven common types of dermatophytoses.      3) Which of the three genera (Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton) does notproduce microconidia, instead producing ovoid, smooth macroconidia that appear inclusters?     4) Which of the three genera (Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton) producesthick-walled, rough macroconidia?    5) How can UV light be used to diagnosis some species of Microsporum?     6) Why are fungal infections so difficult to treat?     7) How is ringworm of the groin transmitted? Biology Science Microbiology BIOL 1170 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)