Epidermophyton floccosum is classically associated with which infections?

Epidermophyton floccosum is classically associated with which infections?

• A. Tinea pedis and tinea versicolor
• B. Tinea capitis and tinea pedis
• C. Tinea cruris and onychomycosis
• D. Tinea pedis and tinea corporis

Answer: (C)

Epidermophyton floccosum is a dermatophyte that preferentially infects keratinized tissues of skin and nails, and it typically does not invade hair. The infections most classically linked to this species are tinea cruris (infection of the groin) and onychomycosis (nail fungus). This pattern reflects its tendency to colonize intertriginous skin and nails rather than the scalp or hair-bearing regions. Other organisms more commonly cause tinea capitis (hair) or tinea versicolor (Malassezia), so the combination of tinea cruris and onychomycosis best fits the classic presentation for Epidermophyton floccosum.

Epidermophyton floccosum is a dermatophyte that preferentially infects keratinized tissues of skin and nails, and it typically does not invade hair. The infections most classically linked to this species are tinea cruris (infection of the groin) and onychomycosis (nail fungus). This pattern reflects its tendency to colonize intertriginous skin and nails rather than the scalp or hair-bearing regions. Other organisms more commonly cause tinea capitis (hair) or tinea versicolor (Malassezia), so the combination of tinea cruris and onychomycosis best fits the classic presentation for Epidermophyton floccosum.