what is dermatophyte fungus
derÂ·maÂ·toÂ·phyte. A fungus that causes superficial infections of the skin, hair, and/or nails, that is, keratinized tissues. Species of Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton are regarded as dermatophytes, but causative agents of tinea versicolor, tinea nigra, and cutaneous candidiasis are not so classified.erÂ·maÂ·toÂ·phyte. A fungus that causes superficial infections of the skin, hair, and/or nails, that is, keratinized tissues. Species of Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton are regarded as dermatophytes, but causative agents of tinea versicolor, tinea nigra, and cutaneous candidiasis are not so classified.