title: Dermatophytes: gross and microscopic.
abstract: Dermatophytes, members of the anamorphic genera Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton, are capable of invading keratinous tissue, causing cutaneous infection referred to as dermatophytosis. These species may be anthropophilic, zoophilic, or geophilic based on host preference and natural habitat. These groupings are epidemiologically significant. This article provides a description of the genera and species of the dermatophytes--gross and microscopic--and the tests that may be necessary to confirm their identification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology (in Medicine), Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Weitzman
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Padhye
mesh_terms: D003883:Arthrodermataceae / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans