Dermatophytes, Dermatomycosis, Tinea, Ringworm, Epidermophytosis, Trichophytosis, Microsporosis. Form hyphae and arthrospores in keratinized tissue, develop characteristic colonies and conidia in culture, sexual spores in some species. Contact of minor traumatized skin site with infected individual or fomites contaminated with desquamated epithelium. Communicable as long as infective lesions are present and viable. Griseofulvin, miconazole, clotrimazole - depending on agent.
Agents survive for months to years in dry, cool, shaded areas.
Bathing with soap and water and topical application of appropriate fungicide, griseofulvin for scalp involvement and for infections unresponsive to topical agents. Skin, hair, and nails of human and animal hosts. Contact with infected laboratory animals with inapparent or apparent infections. Biosafety level 2 practices, containment equipment and facilities for all laboratory and experimental animal activities with dermatophytes. Good sanitation, cleaning and disinfection important.