Image of Microsporum ferrugineum M. Ota 1921

Description:

This photograph featured a Petri dish, which had been used to culture a colony of dermatophytic fungus, Microsporum ferrugineum.

Dermatophytes are types of fungi that cause common skin, hair and nail infections. Infections caused by these fungi are also known by the names tinea and ringworm. It is important to emphasize that ringworm is not caused by a worm, but rather by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. One example of a very common dermatophyte infection is athlete’s foot, which is also called tinea pedis. Another common dermatophyte infection affecting the groin area is jock itch, also known as tinea cruris.
Created: 1974