Ringworm is best described as which kind of organism?

Ringworm is best described as which kind of organism?

• A. Bacterial
• B. Viral
• C. Fungal
• D. Parasitic

Answer: (C)

Ringworm is a fungal infection of keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) caused by dermatophyte fungi such as Microsporum, Trichophyton, or Epidermophyton. The name is misleading, since it isn’t a worm or a parasite; it’s a fungus that forms hyphae and reproduces by spores. This makes antifungal treatment the appropriate approach, rather than antibiotics or antiparasitics. The infection produces ring-shaped lesions due to superficial fungal growth in the keratinized layers, and diagnosis is often confirmed by microscopic examination of skin scrapings or fungal culture.

Ringworm is a fungal infection of keratinized tissues (skin, hair, nails) caused by dermatophyte fungi such as Microsporum, Trichophyton, or Epidermophyton. The name is misleading, since it isn’t a worm or a parasite; it’s a fungus that forms hyphae and reproduces by spores. This makes antifungal treatment the appropriate approach, rather than antibiotics or antiparasitics. The infection produces ring-shaped lesions due to superficial fungal growth in the keratinized layers, and diagnosis is often confirmed by microscopic examination of skin scrapings or fungal culture.