Which transmission mechanism is described for tinea capitis infection that may show hair fluorescence under Wood lamp?

Which transmission mechanism is described for tinea capitis infection that may show hair fluorescence under Wood lamp?

• A. Spread by direct contact with infected hairs on caps, hats, combs, and clippers
• B. Spread by airborne spores
• C. Spread by ingestion of contaminated material
• D. Spread by contact with contaminated soil

Answer: (A)

Tinea capitis is most often spread through direct contact with infected hairs and by sharing objects that carry fungal spores. When the infection involves species like Microsporum, hair fluorescence under a Wood lamp can occur, which helps point to that organism. So the described transmission—transfer of fungus via infected hairs on caps, hats, combs, and clippers—fits the scenario: it explains how the scalp infection is transmitted in settings where people share personal items. Other routes, such as airborne spores, ingestion of contaminated material, or soil contact, are less typical pathways for this scalp infection and don’t align with the fluorescence clue as neatly.

Tinea capitis is most often spread through direct contact with infected hairs and by sharing objects that carry fungal spores. When the infection involves species like Microsporum, hair fluorescence under a Wood lamp can occur, which helps point to that organism. So the described transmission—transfer of fungus via infected hairs on caps, hats, combs, and clippers—fits the scenario: it explains how the scalp infection is transmitted in settings where people share personal items. Other routes, such as airborne spores, ingestion of contaminated material, or soil contact, are less typical pathways for this scalp infection and don’t align with the fluorescence clue as neatly.