The aim of this research was to verify the ability of 15 isolates of Epidermophyton floccosum to perforate hair in vitro and characterize them for pathogenicity factors such as growth at 37ºC and proteinase and phospholipase production. Fourteen isolates perforated hair and from these twelve produced perforating organs. All isolates grew at 37ºC and produced proteinase, but not phospholipase. These results suggest that E. floccosum may be a possible aethiological agent of tinea capitis.
Epidermophyton floccosum; tinea capitis; pathogenicity
