Trichophyton schoenleinii

Updated : November 2, 2023

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  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a type of ringworm infection called favus, characterized by the formation of yellowish crusts around the hair follicles, especially on the scalp. Favus is rare in developed countries but still widespread in several regions of Asia, Africa, and South America.
  • The epidemiology of Trichophyton schoenleinii is related to its natural habitat and host preferences. It is an anthropophilic species, meaning it prefers humans as hosts and can be transmitted directly or indirectly through contact with infected people or animals. The fungus was first identified by J. L. Schönlein in 1839 and named after him by Robert Remak as Achorion schoenleinii. However, this name is no longer used in modern science, and the fungus is now classified as Trichophyton schoenleinii. According to a molecular study, Trichophyton schoenleinii has a clonal population pattern and little genetic diversity, suggesting a recent origin and a limited geographic distribution.
  • The study also found that the fungus is more common in rural areas than urban areas and has a higher prevalence in males than females. The fungus is sensitive to most antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole. However, the treatment of favus requires long-term oral therapy and topical agents to prevent relapse and transmission. Favus can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected persons or animals, maintaining good personal hygiene, and treating underlying conditions that may impair the immune system.
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Division: Ascomycota
  • Class: Eurotiomycetes
  • Order: Onygenales
  • Family: Arthrodermataceae
  • Genus: Trichophyton
  • Species: T. schoenleinii
  •  The structure of  Trichophyton schoenleinii can be described in five points as follows:
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that belongs to the genus Trichophyton, which comprises the parasitic species that cause various skin infections in humans and animals.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii has septate hyphae, filamentous structures divided into compartments by cross walls. The hyphae branch and grow within and around the hair follicles, producing waxy, honeycomb-like crusts on the scalp.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii produces two types of spores: macroconidia and microconidia. Macroconidia are large, multicellular, and clavate to fusiform in shape. They are thin- or thick-walled and are borne laterally on hyphae or short pedicels. Microconidia are tiny, unicellular, and spherical, pyriform to clavate, or irregular in shape. They are plentiful and can be seen alone or in groups.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is an anthropophilic species, which means it prefers to feed on human skin, hair, and nails. It is the causative agent of favus, a severe and chronic form of scalp infection that is endemic throughout Eurasia and Africa.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii produces tunnels within the hair shaft filled with air bubbles after the hyphae disintegrate. It gives the hair a characteristic appearance under microscopic examination.
  • The fungus was first identified by J. L. Schönlein in 1839 and named after him by Robert Remak as Achorion schoenleinii. Trichophyton schoenleinii has two antigenic types: A and B. Type A is more common and causes typical favus lesions. In contrast, type B is rare and causes atypical favus lesions that resemble kerion or tinea capitis. Another source reports that Trichophyton schoenleinii has three antigenic types: A, B, and C. Type C is rare and causes favus lesions with a greenish hue.
  • Antigenic types are determined by the immunological reactions of the fungus with specific antibodies. Different antigenic types may have different epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic implications. However, more research is needed to confirm the validity and significance of these antigenic types of Trichophyton schoenleinii.
  • The pathogenesis of  Trichophyton schoenleinii is the process by which this fungus causes infection and disease in humans. Trichophyton schoenleinii is an anthropophilic dermatophyte that prefers to feed on human skin, hair, and nails. It is the causative agent of favus, a severe and chronic form of scalp infection characterized by yellowish, cup-shaped crusts called scutula that group in patches like a honeycomb.
  • The pathogenesis of Trichophyton schoenleinii involves the following steps:
  • Transmission: The fungus can be transmitted by spores, spore contact with an infected individual, or direct or indirect contact. The spores are capable of long-term survival in the environment and contaminate objects such as combs, hats, towels, or bedding.
  • Invasion: The fungus invades the skin through minor abrasions or breaks in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. It then penetrates the hair follicles and grows within and around them, producing waxy, honeycomb-like crusts on the scalp. The fungus can also spread to other body parts, such as the face, neck, chest, or back.
  • Immune response: The host immune system recognizes the fungus as a foreign invader and mounts an inflammatory response to eliminate it. However, the fungus has developed several mechanisms to evade or suppress the immune response, such as producing proteases that degrade host proteins, altering its cell wall composition to avoid antibody recognition, and inducing immune cells’ apoptosis (cell death). The immune response also contributes to tissue damage and scarring by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract more immune cells and cause oxidative stress.
  • Clinical manifestations: The clinical manifestations of favus depend on the extent and duration of the infection. The most common symptoms are itching, scaling, hair loss, and scalp scarring. The scutula can become infected with bacteria and cause secondary infections such as impetigo or cellulitis. In rare cases, the fungus can disseminate to other organs, such as the lungs, brain, or bones, and cause systemic complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, or osteomyelitis.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a ringworm infection called favus, leading to permanent hair loss and scarring if left untreated. The host defenses against this fungus involve the innate immune system, especially the inflammasome, a protein complex that controls the maturation of IL-1β, a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine.
  • The inflammasome is activated by recognizing the fungal components by a receptor called NLRP3, which triggers the formation of ASC pyroptosome and the activation of caspase-1, leading to the secretion of IL-1β. IL-1β helps to recruit and activate others. Neutrophil and macrophage immune cells are needed to combat the fungus. However, the inflammasome activation also causes inflammation and tissue damage, which may worsen the condition of the infected scalp. Therefore, the host defenses against Trichophyton schoenleinii are a double-edged sword and must be balanced by anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a ringworm infection called favus. Favus is characterized by the formation of yellowish crusts called scutula around the hair follicles, especially on the scalp.
  • The infection may result in lifelong hair loss and scarring if left untreated. Favus is rare in developed countries but still common in several regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. The diagnosis of favus is based on the clinical appearance of the lesions, microscopic examination of the hair and scutula, and culture of the fungus.
  • The treatment of favus involves oral antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, for several months. Additionally, topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoo, can reduce the fungal load and prevent transmission. Favus can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected persons or animals, maintaining good personal hygiene, and treating underlying conditions that may impair the immune system.
  • The diagnosis of  Trichophyton schoenleinii, the fungus that causes favus, is based on the clinical appearance of the lesions, microscopic examination of the hair and scutula, and culture of the fungus. Favus is characterized by yellow cup-shaped crusts (scutula) that group together in patches like a honeycomb, each crust encircling a strand of hair.
  • The fungus can be seen as slender, mycelial threads bearing oval, nucleated arthroconidia in skin scrapings and hair samples. The culture of the fungus can be done on Sabouraud’s agar or other suitable media, and The typical time for growth is 2 to 4 weeks. A quicker and more accurate way of detecting Trichophyton schoenleinii is a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-microfluidic chip (LAMP-MC), which can amplify and identify the fungal DNA within 30 minutes.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a ringworm infection called favus, leading to permanent hair loss and scarring if left untreated. The prevention of Trichophyton schoenleinii infection involves the following measures:
  • Avoid contact with infected persons or animals, as the fungus can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact.
  • Maintaining proper personal hygiene, which includes routine hand washing, keeping nails short and clean, and changing clothes and bedding regularly.
  • Treating underlying conditions that may impair the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV, or malnutrition.
  • Seeking medical attention promptly if any signs or symptoms of favus appear, such as yellow crusts around the hair follicles, hair loss, itching, or inflammation.
  • Taking oral antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, for several months as the doctor prescribes. Additionally, applying topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoo, to reduce the fungal load and prevent transmission.
  • Disinfecting or discarding any items that may have encountered the fungus, such as combs, brushes, hats, or towels.
  • Molecular epidemiology and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton schoenleinii, agent of tinea capitis favosa — Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
  • s13238-013-2127-9.pdf (springer.com)
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Trichophyton schoenleinii

Updated : November 2, 2023

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a type of ringworm infection called favus, characterized by the formation of yellowish crusts around the hair follicles, especially on the scalp. Favus is rare in developed countries but still widespread in several regions of Asia, Africa, and South America.
  • The epidemiology of Trichophyton schoenleinii is related to its natural habitat and host preferences. It is an anthropophilic species, meaning it prefers humans as hosts and can be transmitted directly or indirectly through contact with infected people or animals. The fungus was first identified by J. L. Schönlein in 1839 and named after him by Robert Remak as Achorion schoenleinii. However, this name is no longer used in modern science, and the fungus is now classified as Trichophyton schoenleinii. According to a molecular study, Trichophyton schoenleinii has a clonal population pattern and little genetic diversity, suggesting a recent origin and a limited geographic distribution.
  • The study also found that the fungus is more common in rural areas than urban areas and has a higher prevalence in males than females. The fungus is sensitive to most antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and fluconazole. However, the treatment of favus requires long-term oral therapy and topical agents to prevent relapse and transmission. Favus can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected persons or animals, maintaining good personal hygiene, and treating underlying conditions that may impair the immune system.
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Division: Ascomycota
  • Class: Eurotiomycetes
  • Order: Onygenales
  • Family: Arthrodermataceae
  • Genus: Trichophyton
  • Species: T. schoenleinii
  •  The structure of  Trichophyton schoenleinii can be described in five points as follows:
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that belongs to the genus Trichophyton, which comprises the parasitic species that cause various skin infections in humans and animals.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii has septate hyphae, filamentous structures divided into compartments by cross walls. The hyphae branch and grow within and around the hair follicles, producing waxy, honeycomb-like crusts on the scalp.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii produces two types of spores: macroconidia and microconidia. Macroconidia are large, multicellular, and clavate to fusiform in shape. They are thin- or thick-walled and are borne laterally on hyphae or short pedicels. Microconidia are tiny, unicellular, and spherical, pyriform to clavate, or irregular in shape. They are plentiful and can be seen alone or in groups.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is an anthropophilic species, which means it prefers to feed on human skin, hair, and nails. It is the causative agent of favus, a severe and chronic form of scalp infection that is endemic throughout Eurasia and Africa.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii produces tunnels within the hair shaft filled with air bubbles after the hyphae disintegrate. It gives the hair a characteristic appearance under microscopic examination.
  • The fungus was first identified by J. L. Schönlein in 1839 and named after him by Robert Remak as Achorion schoenleinii. Trichophyton schoenleinii has two antigenic types: A and B. Type A is more common and causes typical favus lesions. In contrast, type B is rare and causes atypical favus lesions that resemble kerion or tinea capitis. Another source reports that Trichophyton schoenleinii has three antigenic types: A, B, and C. Type C is rare and causes favus lesions with a greenish hue.
  • Antigenic types are determined by the immunological reactions of the fungus with specific antibodies. Different antigenic types may have different epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic implications. However, more research is needed to confirm the validity and significance of these antigenic types of Trichophyton schoenleinii.
  • The pathogenesis of  Trichophyton schoenleinii is the process by which this fungus causes infection and disease in humans. Trichophyton schoenleinii is an anthropophilic dermatophyte that prefers to feed on human skin, hair, and nails. It is the causative agent of favus, a severe and chronic form of scalp infection characterized by yellowish, cup-shaped crusts called scutula that group in patches like a honeycomb.
  • The pathogenesis of Trichophyton schoenleinii involves the following steps:
  • Transmission: The fungus can be transmitted by spores, spore contact with an infected individual, or direct or indirect contact. The spores are capable of long-term survival in the environment and contaminate objects such as combs, hats, towels, or bedding.
  • Invasion: The fungus invades the skin through minor abrasions or breaks in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. It then penetrates the hair follicles and grows within and around them, producing waxy, honeycomb-like crusts on the scalp. The fungus can also spread to other body parts, such as the face, neck, chest, or back.
  • Immune response: The host immune system recognizes the fungus as a foreign invader and mounts an inflammatory response to eliminate it. However, the fungus has developed several mechanisms to evade or suppress the immune response, such as producing proteases that degrade host proteins, altering its cell wall composition to avoid antibody recognition, and inducing immune cells’ apoptosis (cell death). The immune response also contributes to tissue damage and scarring by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract more immune cells and cause oxidative stress.
  • Clinical manifestations: The clinical manifestations of favus depend on the extent and duration of the infection. The most common symptoms are itching, scaling, hair loss, and scalp scarring. The scutula can become infected with bacteria and cause secondary infections such as impetigo or cellulitis. In rare cases, the fungus can disseminate to other organs, such as the lungs, brain, or bones, and cause systemic complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, or osteomyelitis.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a ringworm infection called favus, leading to permanent hair loss and scarring if left untreated. The host defenses against this fungus involve the innate immune system, especially the inflammasome, a protein complex that controls the maturation of IL-1β, a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine.
  • The inflammasome is activated by recognizing the fungal components by a receptor called NLRP3, which triggers the formation of ASC pyroptosome and the activation of caspase-1, leading to the secretion of IL-1β. IL-1β helps to recruit and activate others. Neutrophil and macrophage immune cells are needed to combat the fungus. However, the inflammasome activation also causes inflammation and tissue damage, which may worsen the condition of the infected scalp. Therefore, the host defenses against Trichophyton schoenleinii are a double-edged sword and must be balanced by anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a ringworm infection called favus. Favus is characterized by the formation of yellowish crusts called scutula around the hair follicles, especially on the scalp.
  • The infection may result in lifelong hair loss and scarring if left untreated. Favus is rare in developed countries but still common in several regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. The diagnosis of favus is based on the clinical appearance of the lesions, microscopic examination of the hair and scutula, and culture of the fungus.
  • The treatment of favus involves oral antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, for several months. Additionally, topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoo, can reduce the fungal load and prevent transmission. Favus can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected persons or animals, maintaining good personal hygiene, and treating underlying conditions that may impair the immune system.
  • The diagnosis of  Trichophyton schoenleinii, the fungus that causes favus, is based on the clinical appearance of the lesions, microscopic examination of the hair and scutula, and culture of the fungus. Favus is characterized by yellow cup-shaped crusts (scutula) that group together in patches like a honeycomb, each crust encircling a strand of hair.
  • The fungus can be seen as slender, mycelial threads bearing oval, nucleated arthroconidia in skin scrapings and hair samples. The culture of the fungus can be done on Sabouraud’s agar or other suitable media, and The typical time for growth is 2 to 4 weeks. A quicker and more accurate way of detecting Trichophyton schoenleinii is a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-microfluidic chip (LAMP-MC), which can amplify and identify the fungal DNA within 30 minutes.
  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is a fungus that causes a ringworm infection called favus, leading to permanent hair loss and scarring if left untreated. The prevention of Trichophyton schoenleinii infection involves the following measures:
  • Avoid contact with infected persons or animals, as the fungus can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact.
  • Maintaining proper personal hygiene, which includes routine hand washing, keeping nails short and clean, and changing clothes and bedding regularly.
  • Treating underlying conditions that may impair the immune system, such as diabetes, HIV, or malnutrition.
  • Seeking medical attention promptly if any signs or symptoms of favus appear, such as yellow crusts around the hair follicles, hair loss, itching, or inflammation.
  • Taking oral antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, for several months as the doctor prescribes. Additionally, applying topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoo, to reduce the fungal load and prevent transmission.
  • Disinfecting or discarding any items that may have encountered the fungus, such as combs, brushes, hats, or towels.
  • Molecular epidemiology and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton schoenleinii, agent of tinea capitis favosa — Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
  • s13238-013-2127-9.pdf (springer.com)

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