Clavate macroconidia are characteristic of which one of the following fungi?: (A) E. floccosum, (B) C. immitis, (C) P. verrucosa, (D) M. canis
Answer is A. Microscopic examination of fungal isolates is essential to the identification of the organism. Macroscopically, the colonies of Epidermophyton have a yellowish appearance. This fungus invades skin and nails but never hair. On microscopic examination, clavate or paddle-shaped macroconidia are evident with rounded ends and smooth walls. Microconidia are absent.