Trichophyton mentagrophytes (also referred to as Trichophyton interdigitale) is a species of fungus affecting both animals and humans alike. T. mentagrohphytes are found in a variety of environments, and infections can take several forms. T. mentagrohphytes is responsible for scaly, inflamed fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Transmission:
T. mentagrohphytes is a fungus that thrives in protein-rich, damp environments. Foot dampness and abrasion combined with exposure to fungus in communal aquatic facilities, such as swimming pools and showers are common conditions for infection. Exchanging clothing, towels, and linen, either directly or via substandard communal laundering, is another recognized risk which may lead to outbreaks. As a result, disinfection and sanitation is key to controlling the spread of T. mentagrohphytes
Symptoms:
Infection typically affects areas of the body where one area of skin meets another area, for example between toes and the underarms. Infection is best identified by the characteristic inflamed, ring-shaped rash on the skin of the infected area. These include:
- Patches of hair loss
- Scaly rash
- Scaling on the scalp
- Itching
- Blister-like lesions
