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Existence of ornamentations on macroconidia and hyphae of Epidermophyton floccosum

E Guého, I Castro, G Badillet

    Annales De L'Institut Pasteur. Microbiologie
    |September 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Scanning electron microscopy revealed unique wall ornamentations on Epidermophyton floccosum macroconidia. These findings suggest potential for discovering a sexual stage in this dermatophyte fungus.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Mycology
    • Dermatophyte Research
    • Fungal Morphology

    Background:

    • Epidermophyton floccosum is a significant cause of human dermatophytosis.
    • The sexual reproductive stage (teleomorph) of Epidermophyton floccosum has not been definitively identified.
    • Understanding fungal surface structures can provide insights into fungal biology and classification.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the surface ultrastructure of recent clinical isolates of Epidermophyton floccosum.
    • To compare the observed surface features with those of related dermatophytes.
    • To investigate potential evidence for sexual activity in Epidermophyton floccosum.

    Main Methods:

    • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine macroconidia.
    • Clinical isolates of Epidermophyton floccosum were analyzed.
    • Surface features were compared with Microsporum persicolor macroconidia.

    Main Results:

    • Macroconidia of Epidermophyton floccosum isolates exhibited distinct wall excrescences, identified as true wall ornamentations.
    • Some isolates displayed warty and secondary smooth spiral hyphae.
    • Observed structures were compared to Microsporum persicolor macroconidia.

    Conclusions:

    • The identified surface ornamentations are significant morphological characteristics of Epidermophyton floccosum.
    • The presence of these structures in recent isolates may indicate ongoing sexual activity.
    • Further research may lead to the discovery of the teleomorph for the genus Epidermophyton.

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