Question

A 23 yr old male with a 3 yr history of pain and itching of the toes of the feet and his left palm and fingers. Peeling and scaling were observed on his feet and left palm. In the past three months, he has been training several hours a day for a triathlon.

5. What type of specimen would you collect to isolate the organism and what type of reagent would be used for a direct examination to make the fungus easier to visualize?

6. What is this patient likely suffering from?

7. What organisms are typically associated with this disease?

Answer 1

6).samples over the affected area are collected by slightly scraping the skin with a sharp blade or with the edge a slide. sometimes clippings of nails may also taken.A swab should also be taken from pustules in case of secondary bacterial infection.

The sample is then stained with special dyes and chemicals and examined under the microscope or incubated in a suitable medium such as SDA ( Sabouraud Dextrose Agar) for growth.

For the direct examination of specimen
The skin samples as well as nail clippings obtained are placed in a liquid containing potassium hydroxide.The KOH destroys all non-fungal cells. When the sample is viewed under the microscope the fungi affecting the individual may be identified easily.

Transfer the specimen to the drop of KOH, and cover with glass. Place the slide in a petri dish, or other container with a lid, together with a damp piece of filter paper or cotton wool to prevent the preparation from drying out.As soon as the specimen has cleared, examine the specimen under microscope.

7).The patient is likely suffering from "Athlete's foot disease".

Athlete's foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a common skin infection of the feet caused by fungus.

Athlete's foot is a term given to almost any inflammatory skin disease that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes.The same fungus may also affect the nails or the hand.

8).Athlete's foot is caused by a number of different fungi,including species of Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum.

These organisms feed on keratin, the major structural component of hair, skin, and nails. The breakdown of keratin causes ring-shaped, blister-like lesions, itchiness, thin discharge, and inflammation of the skin.