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Epidermophyton floccosum

On Sabouraud's dextrose agar colonies are usually slow growing, greenish-brown or khaki coloured with a suede-like surface, raised and folded in the centre, with a flat periphery and submerged fringe of growth. Older cultures may develop white pleomorphic tufts of mycelium. A deep yellowish-brown reverse pigment is usually present. Microscopic morphology shows characteristic smooth, thin-walled macroconidia which are often produced in clusters growing directly from the hyphae. Numerous chlamydoconidia are formed in older cultures. No microconidia are formed.

Culture of Epidermophyton floccosum.

Macroconidia of E. floccosum.

Chlamydoconidia of E. floccosum.

MIC data is limited.  Antifungal susceptibility testing of individual strains is recommended.

Clinical significance:

Epidermophyton floccosum is an anthropophilic dermatophyte with a world-wide distribution which often causes tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis and onychomycosis. It is not known to invade hair in vivo and no specific growth requirements have been reported.   RG-2 organism.

Mycosis: Dermatophytosis

Further reading:

Rebell, G., and D. Taplin. 1970. The Dermatophytes. 2nd. revised edition. University of Miami Press, Coral Gables, Florida. USA.
Rippon, J.W. 1988. Medical Mycology. 3rd Edition. W.B. Saunders Co.

Fungal Descriptions > Dermatophytes > Epidermophyton

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