Microsporum ferrugineum

George, 1963

Slow growing, anthropophilic dermatophyte with polymorphic colony habitus belonging to the genus"Microsporum". The fungal colonies are verrucous or velvety on the surface, rust coloured(ferru-gineum) occasionally colourless. The colonies are radially folded.

Micromorphologically there are hyphae with acute-angled branches, sometimes also parallel arranged. Under normal culture conditions neither micro- nor macroconidia are formed. Numerous Chlamydospores are present.

Mainly in the Afro-Asian region with endemic areas in Japan and Western Africa, as well as in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. No known occurrence in animals.

The incubation period is 1-3 weeks. Microsporum ferrugineum attacks the skin surface, especially hair and nails(Tinea capitis, Tinea corporis, Tinea barbae, Tinea unguium). The keratinases, proteases and peptidases secreted by the piz break down keratin to amino acids which the pathogen uses for its own metabolism.

Clinical bid; detection of small chain-shaped fungal cells on the hair shaft and the typical culture

M. ferrugineum is possibly a spore-free variant of Microsporum canis.

1. Kobylak N et al (2016) PCR and real-time PCR approaches to the identification of Arthroderma otae species Microsporum canis and Microsporum audouinii/Microsporum ferrugineum. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 30:1819-1822.
2. Wisuthsarewong W et al (2005) Treatment of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum ferrugineum with itraconazole. J Med Assoc Thai 88 Suppl 8:S72-97.
3. Wisuthsarewong W et al (1996) Outbreak of Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum ferrugineum in Thailand. Mycopathologia 135:157-161.