Microsporum persicolor

Synonym: Trichophyton persicolor

Cultures are generally flat, white to pinkish in colour, with a suee-like to granular texture and a peripheral fringe. Reverse pigmentation is orange to red. Microscopic morphology shows abundant, spherical to pyriform microconidia. Macroconidia are only rarely produced.  RG-2 organism.

Culture of Microsporum persicolor.

Microconidia of M. persicolor.

Clinical significance:

A zoophilic fungus often occurring as a saprophyte on voles and bats. A rare cause of tinea corporis in humans. Not known to invade hair in vivo, but produces hair perforations in vitro. Found in Africa, Australia, Europe and North America.

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., Philadelphia, USA