Where Are Dermatophytes Found?

o Dermatophytes are fungi that are most commonly found on the skin and hair of animals and people. Skin infection caused by dermatophytes is referred to as ringworm, tinea, dermatophytosis or dermatomycosis.

What is a dermatophyte and where can it be found on?

Dermatophytes are fungi that require keratin for growth. These fungi can cause superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatophytes are spread by direct contact from other people (anthropophilic organisms), animals (zoophilic organisms), and soil (geophilic organisms), as well as indirectly from fomites.

What do dermatophytes feed on?

All the dermatophytes are keratinophilic (i.e., they feed on keratin).