6 topics with concise breakdowns: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
In this section, we examine fungi affecting the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as the causative agents of common dermatophytoses. You will study the morphology, pathogenicity factors, and laboratory diagnostic methods for these micromycetes.
The material covers classical subcutaneous mycoses (sporotrichosis, chromoblastomycosis, phaeohyphomycosis) that predominantly occur following traumatic inoculation of spores. Special attention is given to the causative agents of tinea pedis and rubrophytosis—the most frequent causes of fungal infections of glabrous skin and nails encountered by physicians in daily practice.
In classes and exams, questions most frequently cover the thermal dimorphism of Sporothrix schenckii, the characteristic formation of sclerotic bodies in chromoblastomycosis, and the principles of differential diagnosis of dermatophytes via microscopy of skin scrapings.
Can hair involvement be detected in a Trichophyton interdigitale infection?
No, this is excluded. One of the most important features of this pathogen is that it does not affect hair at all.
Is rubrophytosis a zoonotic disease?
No, this is a strict anthroponosis. The infection source is exclusively an infected human.
Where are the causative agents of subcutaneous mycoses found in nature?
Their primary natural reservoir is soil, wood, as well as rotting and decaying plant parts.
What is the nature of the dimorphism in Sporothrix schenckii?
In the ability to change its form of existence. In the human body at 37 °C, it exists as yeast (tissue form), while in the environment or on media at 18–30 °C, it forms mycelium (culture form).
Why do colonies of chromoblastomycosis agents appear black or brown?
The specific color of the colonies and tissue forms of the fungus is due to the presence of melanin pigment in their cell wall.
What is the fundamental difference between phaeohyphomycosis and hyalohyphomycosis?
Phaeohyphomycosis is caused by pigmented (dematiaceous) fungi with a dark color, whereas hyalohyphomycosis is caused by light, non-pigmented hyphomycetes (e.g., Aspergillus or Penicillium).
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