Which organism is a common etiologic agent of ringworm?

Which organism is a common etiologic agent of ringworm?

• A. Microsporum sp.
• B. Mycobacterium sp.
• C. Micrococcus sp.
• D. Moraxella sp.

Answer: (A)

Ringworm is a fungal infection of keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) caused by dermatophytes. Microsporum species are classic dermatophytes and are commonly responsible for ringworm in both animals and humans. These fungi invade keratin and produce the characteristic circular, scaly lesions; diagnosis often involves fungal culture on dermatophyte media or a Wood's lamp test for some species, and treatment relies on antifungal medications, sometimes combined with systemic therapy for more extensive infections. The other organisms listed are bacteria, not fungi, so they do not cause ringworm. Microsporum spp. are the typical culprits behind this condition.

Ringworm is a fungal infection of keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) caused by dermatophytes. Microsporum species are classic dermatophytes and are commonly responsible for ringworm in both animals and humans. These fungi invade keratin and produce the characteristic circular, scaly lesions; diagnosis often involves fungal culture on dermatophyte media or a Wood's lamp test for some species, and treatment relies on antifungal medications, sometimes combined with systemic therapy for more extensive infections. The other organisms listed are bacteria, not fungi, so they do not cause ringworm. Microsporum spp. are the typical culprits behind this condition.