Epidermophyton floccosum
Species of fungus / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Epidermophyton floccosum is a filamentous fungus that causes skin and nail infections in humans.[1] This anthropophilic dermatophyte can lead to diseases such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris, tinea corporis and onychomycosis.[2][3] Diagnostic approaches of the fungal infection include physical examination, culture testing, and molecular detection.[4] Topical antifungal treatment, such as the use of terbinafine, itraconazole, voriconazole, and ketoconazole, is often effective.[5]
Epidermophyton floccosum | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Eurotiomycetes |
Order: | Onygenales |
Family: | Arthrodermataceae |
Genus: | Epidermophyton |
Species: | E. floccosum |
Binomial name | |
Epidermophyton floccosum | |
Synonyms | |
E. floccosum is one of the 2 species in the genus Epidermophyton.[6][7] During the 20th century, this species was the fourth most common cause of dermatophytosis in North America.[8] This ascomycete has a worldwide distribution but is more commonly isolated from patients in tropical and subtropical areas.[9][2] The non-soil associated fungus has no specific growth conditions and shows characteristic smooth club-shaped macroconidia under the microscope.[2][9]