Based on the provided reference, ringworm infections are caused by fungi such as Trichophyton, which belongs to the phylum Ascomycota.
Contrary to its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a common fungal infection affecting the skin, hair, or nails. The name "ringworm" comes from the characteristic ring-like rash that often appears.
These infections are typically caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. The provided reference specifically highlights the genus Trichophyton:
Trichophyton, a genus of fungi in order Onygenales (phylum Ascomycota, kingdom Fungi) that infects the skin, hair, and nails of humans and other animals. It is one of several causes of athlete's foot, jockstrap itch, and other ringworm (q.v.) infections in people.
This directly tells us that fungi like Trichophyton, which are responsible for various ringworm infections, are classified under the phylum Ascomycota.
Fungal Causes and Classification
Ringworm encompasses various types of fungal infections, often named by the location on the body (e.g., athlete's foot is ringworm of the foot). Fungi are classified into different groups, or phyla, within the Kingdom Fungi.
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota (based on the classification of Trichophyton)
- Class: Eurotiomycetes
- Order: Onygenales
- Genus: Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton (these are common dermatophyte genera)
The phylum Ascomycota is one of the largest phyla in the Fungi kingdom, containing many familiar fungi like yeasts, truffles, and morels, as well as significant pathogens like those causing ringworm.
Common Ringworm Infections Caused by Ascomycota Fungi
Fungi belonging to the phylum Ascomycota, such as those in the genus Trichophyton, cause many familiar types of ringworm:
- Tinea pedis (Athlete's foot): Ringworm of the feet.
- Tinea cruris (Jockstrap itch): Ringworm of the groin area.
- Tinea corporis: Ringworm of the body.
- Tinea capitis: Ringworm of the scalp.
- Tinea unguium (Onychomycosis): Ringworm of the nails.
The reference also mentions that T. verrucosum, a species within the Ascomycota phylum, causes ringworm in cattle, illustrating that these fungi affect both humans and animals.
How Ringworm Spreads
Ringworm fungi are contagious and can spread through:
- Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.
- Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (e.g., towels, clothing, floors).
- Contact with infected soil (less common).
Understanding that ringworm is a fungal infection belonging to the Ascomycota phylum helps in identifying and treating it correctly, typically with antifungal medications.
