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Macroscopic and Microscopic Findings of Trichophyton tonsurans

Jun Suk Hong,Dong Won Lee,Moo Kyu Suh,Gyoung Yim Ha
10.17966/JMI.2018.23.2.61 Epub 2018 July 01

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Abstract



Keywords



Morphology Trichophyton tonsurans



Figure 1. (A) Numerous arthroconidia in chains inside a hair shaft (KOH mount, X 400) (B) White suede-like surface with central folds and deep reddish brown-pigmented undersurface of a colony grown on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 25℃ for 3 weeks, and reverse side of the agar (C) Teardrop or matchhead-shaped microconidia attached to a conidiophore perpendicularly projected from hyphae (Lactophenol cotton blue, X 400)

Trichophyton tonsurans is an anthropophilic dermatophyte transmitted via human contact1. It is globally distributed and is particularly prevalent in the USA, Canada, Mexico and some European countries2. The common clinical manifestations of T. tonsurans infection are tinea capitis and tinea corporis. Unlike infections by other dermatophytes, these clinical manifestations are initially not apparent and hence, the infection is often overlooked3.

Microscopic examination of hair infected with T. tonsurans reveals numerous arthroconidia in chains inside the hair shaft (Figure 1A). Macroscopically, T. tonsurans forms a white suede-like surface with central folds and a deep reddish brown-pigmented undersurface (Figure 1B). Microscopically, T. tonsurans microconidia are teardrop- or match head-shaped and are attached to the conidiophores projected perpendicularly from hyphae (Figure 1C).

The characteristic microconidia are clavate, tear-shaped, and often match head shaped and are formed in clusters on multiple-branched, thickened terminal hyphae. Filiform or claw-shaped conidia are arranged laterally on irregular hyphae giving the appearance of a centipede. Macroconidia occur less frequently, exhibit irregular shapes, and are somewhat thick-walled1. Microscopic and macroscopic examinations are vital for the identification of the causative organism; however, physicians can identify species more precisely using molecular biological analysis.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

In relation to this article, I declare that there is no conflict of interest.



References


1. Kwon-Chung KJ, Bennett JE. Medical mycology. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1992:143-153
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2. Nenoff P, Haustein UF. Tinea corporis due to Trichophyton tonsurans Malmsten-report of a patient from Zaire. Mycoses 1997;40:127-129
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3. Hiruma J, Ogawa Y, Hiruma M. Trichophyton tonsurans infection in Japan: epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and infection control. J Dermatol 2015;42:245-249
Crossref  Google Scholar 

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