Trichophyton rubrum autoinoculation from infected nails is not such a rare phenomenon

Mycoses. 2008 Jul;51(4):345-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2007.01481.x. Epub 2008 Apr 16.

Abstract

Kerion-like lesions are usually caused by zoophilic dermatophytes. Here, we present a rare case report - an inflammatory tinea barbae due to an anthropophilic fungus (Trichophyton rubrum), which is the main pathogen of onychomycosis and tinea pedis. Probably the infection, in the presented case, spread from diseased fingernails. We do postulate that physicians should consider autoinoculation as a not so rare way of fungal infection transmission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nails / microbiology*
  • Onychomycosis / microbiology*
  • Onychomycosis / transmission*
  • Tinea / microbiology*
  • Tinea / transmission*
  • Trichophyton / isolation & purification*