Ringworm is an example of which type of fungal infection?

Ringworm is an example of which type of fungal infection?

• A. Malaria
• B. Amoebic dysentery
• C. Ringworm
• D. Toxoplasmosis

Answer: (C)

Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophyte fungi that invade keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. In medical terms, this group is called dermatophytosis, commonly known as tinea, with specific forms like tinea corporis (ringworm of the body). Dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton break down keratin to feed, which leads to the characteristic ring-shaped, scaly rash. The other conditions listed are caused by protozoan parasites, not fungi—malaria by Plasmodium, amoebic dysentery by Entamoeba histolytica, and toxoplasmosis by Toxoplasma gondii—so they’re not fungal infections. Therefore, the correct classification for ringworm is a fungal dermatophyte infection, i.e., a tinea.

Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by dermatophyte fungi that invade keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails. In medical terms, this group is called dermatophytosis, commonly known as tinea, with specific forms like tinea corporis (ringworm of the body). Dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton break down keratin to feed, which leads to the characteristic ring-shaped, scaly rash. The other conditions listed are caused by protozoan parasites, not fungi—malaria by Plasmodium, amoebic dysentery by Entamoeba histolytica, and toxoplasmosis by Toxoplasma gondii—so they’re not fungal infections. Therefore, the correct classification for ringworm is a fungal dermatophyte infection, i.e., a tinea.