mentagrophytes

Mentagrophytes is a historical term used for a group of dermatophyte fungi that infect keratinized tissues. In modern taxonomy, most species once placed in Mentagrophytes are included in the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, which comprises Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton interdigitale. The name is still encountered in older literature and in some contexts to describe this closely related set of dermatophytes that cause similar infections.

Ecology and transmission: These fungi are keratinophilic and can be found on soil, animals, and humans. They are transmitted via direct contact with an infected person or animal or through contaminated objects (fomites). Domestic animals such as cats and dogs, as well as rodents, can serve as reservoirs, making zoonotic transmission an important aspect of the epidemiology. Human-to-human transmission also occurs, particularly in crowded settings or close-contact situations.

Clinical features: In humans, infections commonly involve the skin and its appendages, producing tinea corporis (body), tinea cruris (groin), tinea pedis (feet), tinea manuum (hands), tinea capitis (scalp), and sometimes onychomycosis. In animals, dermatophytosis presents as ringworm with circular, crusted or hairless lesions. The clinical presentation is similar to other dermatophyte infections and can vary with the site and host immune status.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by microscopy (sketch of skin, hair, or nail scrapings examined with potassium hydroxide) and fungal culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Molecular methods are increasingly used in reference laboratories. Treatment includes topical antifungals for localized disease and systemic agents (such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or griseofulvin) for extensive skin, hair, or nail infections. In animals, treatment of infected pets is important to prevent reinfection of humans and other animals. Prevention focuses on good hygiene, regular veterinary care for pets, and minimizing close contact with infected animals until treatment is underway.