MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Epidermophyton floccosum, an etiological agent of tinea pedis and tinea unguium: about two cases

Summary

Two elderly patients were diagnosed with fungal nail and foot infections caused by Epidermophyton floccosum, a fungus that has become less common in recent years. Both cases were confirmed using advanced molecular testing (real-time PCR) alongside traditional laboratory methods. The infections were successfully treated with terbinafine, an antifungal medication. This case report highlights the importance of using modern diagnostic techniques to accurately identify and treat fungal infections.

Background

Dermatophytia is an infection caused by keratinophilic filamentous fungi. Epidermophyton floccosum has experienced a downward trend in recent years and represents only 0.4-2.8% of isolates. It is an anthropophilic dermatophyte that primarily causes skin infections in humans.

Objective

To report two rare observations of tinea pedis and tinea unguium caused by Epidermophyton floccosum in elderly patients and demonstrate the contribution of molecular biology techniques in dermatophyte identification.

Results

Case 1: A 70-year-old diabetic patient presented with tinea pedis showing scaly plantar keratoderma and intertrigo; E. floccosum was confirmed via real-time PCR. Case 2: A 70-year-old patient with bilateral toenail involvement showing subungual hyperkeratosis and various nail abnormalities; E. floccosum was identified by microscopy and PCR confirmation.

Conclusion

Conventional laboratory methods based on morphological features remain important for dermatophyte identification, but molecular techniques like real-time PCR provide rapid and accurate confirmation. E. floccosum continues to be an important etiological agent despite its decreasing prevalence, and terbinafine remains an effective treatment option.
  • Published in:Pan African Medical Journal,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40656143, DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2025.50.102.40580
Scroll to Top