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Electron microscopic observation on infected hairs of kerion caused by Microsporum nanum
1Department of Dermatology and Electron Microscopy, Nanjing Medical College, People's Republic of China.
International Journal of Dermatology
|December 1, 1987
Abstract:
Microsporum nanum can afflict human hair, although pigs are the usual focus of infection. Although this dermatophyte was thought to invade hair as an endothrix, electron microscopic studies show it to cause ectothrix infection due to its keratinolytic activities.
Insights
Microsporum nanum, a fungus, typically infects pigs but can affect human hair. Electron microscopy reveals it causes ectothrix infections, not endothrix, due to its keratin-degrading abilities.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporum nanum is a zoophilic dermatophyte.
- Pigs are the primary hosts for Microsporum nanum.
- Human infections by Microsporum nanum are less common but documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mode of hair invasion by Microsporum nanum in human infections.
- To clarify the historical understanding of Microsporum nanum hair invasion.
Main Methods:
- Electron microscopy was utilized to examine infected human hair shafts.
- Microscopic analysis focused on the interaction between the dermatophyte and keratin structures.
Main Results:
- Electron microscopy demonstrated ectothrix invasion, where fungal elements are external to the hair cuticle.
- This contradicts previous assumptions of endothrix invasion (internal).
- The study highlights the keratinolytic activity of Microsporum nanum as the mechanism for ectothrix formation.
Conclusions:
- Microsporum nanum causes ectothrix hair infections in humans.
- The fungus's keratinolytic properties are responsible for this mode of invasion.
- Re-evaluation of dermatophyte-host interactions is crucial.