Arthrodermataceae: Difference between revisions

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'''Arthrodermataceae''' is a family of fungi within the order [[Onygenales]]. This family is known for its dermatophytic species, which are fungi that can cause infections in humans and other animals. The most well-known genera within this family are ''[[Trichophyton]]'', ''[[Microsporum]]'', and ''[[Epidermophyton]]''.
{{Short description|Family of fungi}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Arthrodermataceae
| image = Aprotinin.png
| image_caption = Aprotinin, a protein related to the study of Arthrodermataceae
| regnum = [[Fungi]]
| divisio = [[Ascomycota]]
| classis = [[Eurotiomycetes]]
| ordo = [[Onygenales]]
| familia = '''Arthrodermataceae'''
| familia_authority = [[C.W. Emmons]]
}}


== Taxonomy ==
The '''Arthrodermataceae''' is a family of [[fungi]] within the order [[Onygenales]]. This family includes several genera that are of medical and veterinary importance due to their role in causing [[dermatophytosis]], commonly known as ringworm, in humans and animals.


The family Arthrodermataceae was first described by the mycologist [[Rolf Singer]] in 1956. It is classified within the order Onygenales, part of the class [[Eurotiomycetes]] in the phylum [[Ascomycota]]. The family includes several genera, the most notable of which are ''Trichophyton'', ''Microsporum'', and ''Epidermophyton''.
==Characteristics==
Members of the Arthrodermataceae family are characterized by their ability to degrade [[keratin]], a fibrous structural protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This keratinolytic activity is a key feature that enables these fungi to colonize and infect keratinized tissues, leading to dermatophytic infections.


== Characteristics ==
The fungi in this family are typically [[ascomycetes]], meaning they reproduce sexually through the formation of [[ascospores]] within a specialized structure called an [[ascus]]. They can also reproduce asexually through the production of [[conidia]], which are asexual spores that facilitate dissemination and infection.


Members of the Arthrodermataceae family are characterized by their ability to degrade keratin, a protein found in the skin, hair, and nails of animals. This makes them particularly well-suited to causing dermatophytic infections, also known as [[tinea]] or ringworm. These fungi reproduce asexually through the production of [[arthroconidia]], a type of fungal spore.
==Genera==
The family Arthrodermataceae includes several genera, some of which are:


== Pathogenicity ==
* '''[[Arthroderma]]'''
* '''[[Ctenomyces]]'''
* '''[[Epidermophyton]]'''
* '''[[Microsporum]]'''
* '''[[Nannizzia]]'''
* '''[[Trichophyton]]'''


Arthrodermataceae fungi are the causative agents of most fungal skin infections in humans and other animals. These infections, collectively known as tinea, can affect various parts of the body. For example, ''Trichophyton rubrum'' and ''Trichophyton interdigitale'' are common causes of [[athlete's foot]] and [[jock itch]], while ''Microsporum canis'' is a frequent cause of [[ringworm]] in pets, which can be transmitted to humans.
These genera include species that are well-known pathogens, such as ''[[Trichophyton rubrum]]'' and ''[[Microsporum canis]]'', which are common causes of ringworm in humans and animals.


== Treatment ==
==Pathogenicity==
The pathogenic species within the Arthrodermataceae family are known as [[dermatophytes]]. They are responsible for a variety of infections, collectively referred to as dermatophytosis. These infections are typically superficial, affecting the skin, hair, and nails, but can cause significant discomfort and are highly contagious.


Treatment for infections caused by Arthrodermataceae fungi typically involves topical antifungal medications, such as [[clotrimazole]] or [[terbinafine]]. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent the infection from returning.
Dermatophytes are classified into three ecological groups based on their primary habitat:


== See also ==
* '''Anthropophilic''': Preferring human hosts, e.g., ''Trichophyton rubrum''.
* '''Zoophilic''': Preferring animal hosts, e.g., ''Microsporum canis''.
* '''Geophilic''': Preferring soil, e.g., ''Nannizzia gypsea''.
 
==Medical Importance==
Infections caused by dermatophytes are common worldwide and can affect individuals of all ages. The clinical manifestations of dermatophytosis vary depending on the site of infection and the species involved. Common forms include:
 
* '''[[Tinea pedis]]''' (athlete's foot)
* '''[[Tinea corporis]]''' (ringworm of the body)
* '''[[Tinea capitis]]''' (scalp ringworm)
* '''[[Tinea unguium]]''' (nail infection)
 
Treatment typically involves the use of topical or oral antifungal medications, depending on the severity and location of the infection.
 
==Research and Applications==
Research into the Arthrodermataceae family has provided insights into fungal pathogenicity, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of antifungal therapies. Understanding the genetic and biochemical pathways involved in keratin degradation has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Aprotinin.png|Aprotinin, a protein related to the study of Arthrodermataceae
File:BPTI_seq_ribbon_sticks.jpg|Structural representation of a protein related to fungal studies
</gallery>
 
==Related pages==
* [[Dermatophyte]]
* [[Dermatophyte]]
* [[Onygenales]]
* [[Onygenales]]
* [[Tinea]]
* [[Ascomycota]]
* [[Fungal infection]]


[[Category:Fungal diseases]]
[[Category:Arthrodermataceae]]
[[Category:Onygenales]]
[[Category:Onygenales]]
[[Category:Arthrodermataceae]]
[[Category:Ascomycota families]]
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Revision as of 18:43, 11 February 2025

Family of fungi



The Arthrodermataceae is a family of fungi within the order Onygenales. This family includes several genera that are of medical and veterinary importance due to their role in causing dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, in humans and animals.

Characteristics

Members of the Arthrodermataceae family are characterized by their ability to degrade keratin, a fibrous structural protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This keratinolytic activity is a key feature that enables these fungi to colonize and infect keratinized tissues, leading to dermatophytic infections.

The fungi in this family are typically ascomycetes, meaning they reproduce sexually through the formation of ascospores within a specialized structure called an ascus. They can also reproduce asexually through the production of conidia, which are asexual spores that facilitate dissemination and infection.

Genera

The family Arthrodermataceae includes several genera, some of which are:

These genera include species that are well-known pathogens, such as Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis, which are common causes of ringworm in humans and animals.

Pathogenicity

The pathogenic species within the Arthrodermataceae family are known as dermatophytes. They are responsible for a variety of infections, collectively referred to as dermatophytosis. These infections are typically superficial, affecting the skin, hair, and nails, but can cause significant discomfort and are highly contagious.

Dermatophytes are classified into three ecological groups based on their primary habitat:

  • Anthropophilic: Preferring human hosts, e.g., Trichophyton rubrum.
  • Zoophilic: Preferring animal hosts, e.g., Microsporum canis.
  • Geophilic: Preferring soil, e.g., Nannizzia gypsea.

Medical Importance

Infections caused by dermatophytes are common worldwide and can affect individuals of all ages. The clinical manifestations of dermatophytosis vary depending on the site of infection and the species involved. Common forms include:

Treatment typically involves the use of topical or oral antifungal medications, depending on the severity and location of the infection.

Research and Applications

Research into the Arthrodermataceae family has provided insights into fungal pathogenicity, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of antifungal therapies. Understanding the genetic and biochemical pathways involved in keratin degradation has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.

Gallery

Related pages