Question

Which fungus causes ringworm? State its features.

Answer 1

Scientific names for the most common of the dermatophyte fungi that cause ringworm include Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton interdigitale, and/or Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and Epidermophyton floccosum.


Ringworm, also known as dermatophytosis or tinea, is a fungal infection of the skin. The name “ringworm” is a misnomer, since the infection is caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals.


At their root are fungi, not the bacteria or viruses that cause other infections. Technically speaking, "ringworm is a dermatophyte," says Weinberg. A dermatophyte is simply a type of fungi that can cause skin, hair, or nail infections. "Candida is a yeast," says Weinberg

Answer 2

Ringworm of the scalp often starts as small sores that develop into itchy, scaly bald patches.

It is most common among children.

Ringworm of the body often appears as patches with the characteristic round ring shape.

Weinberg says that a ringworm is a dermatophyte.

A dermatophyte is simply a type of fungi that can cause skin, hair, or nail infections.