DESCRIPTIONS OF MEDICAL FUNGI

84
Descriptions of Medical Fungi
Epidermophyton floccosum (Harz) Langeron et Milochevitch
Epidermophyton floccosum is an anthropophilic dermatophyte with a worldwide
distribution which often causes tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and
onychomycosis. It is not known to invade hair in vivo and no specific growth requirements
have been reported.
RG-2 organism.
Morphological Description: Colonies are usually slow growing, greenishbrown
or khaki-coloured with a suede-like surface, raised and folded in the centre,
with a flat periphery and submerged fringe of growth. Older cultures may develop
white pleomorphic tufts of mycelium. A deep yellowish-brown reverse pigment is
usually present. Microscopic morphology shows characteristic smooth, thin-walled
macroconidia which are often produced in clusters growing directly from the hyphae.
Numerous chlamydospores are formed in older cultures. Microconidia are not formed.
Key Features: Culture characteristics, microscopic morphology and clinical disease.
References: Rebell and Taplin (1970), Mackenzie et al. (1987), Rippon (1988), de
Hoog et al. (2000, 2015).
a
b
20 µm
c
15 µm
Epidermophyton floccosum (a) culture, (b) chlamydospores and (c) macroconidia.