What is Dematophyte testing?

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting hair, superficial skin, and occasionally nails. It is caused by three fungal organisms: Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Sources of infection include infected pets, rodents, contaminated environments, and sometimes the soil. While less common, dermatophytosis is contagious and zoonotic, potentially transmissible to humans. Diagnostic methods include fungal culture, PCR testing, skin biopsy, and, in some cases, identification of fungal spores in impression smear cytology. A woods lamp examination can heighten suspicion. Treatment requires thorough care, extending beyond clinical cure, with a repeated fungal culture to confirm complete resolution typically performed.