Dermatophytes: New taxonomy and differentiation methods. Review of current state of knowledge about mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interaction

Abstract

Dermatophytes are a highly specialized group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic filamentous fungi causing a disease called dermatophytosis or ringworm. Although dermatophyte infections do not threaten the host’s life, they lower its quality in humans by causing discomfort related to cosmetic problems, whereas in farm animals they often cause economic losses. In this work we have summarized the latest knowledge about taxonomy, differentiation methods, mechanisms of pathogenesis and pathogen-host interaction