Tinea unguium caused by Epidermophyton floccosum

Abstract

Onychomycosis is believed to be responsible for up to 50% of nail diseases, and its prevalence is estimated to be 10% worldwide. Tinea unguium, often known as onychomycosis, is one of the most essential dermatophytosis, with the genus Epidermophyton among the causative agents. Currently, E. floccosum is the only representative species of its genus. This fungus has been described as an anthropophilic dermatophyte with a very uneven distribution worldwide. This report presents the case of a 49-year-old patient with Tinea unguium caused by E. floccosum. This clinical image represents valuable information for educational purposes, as it can contribute to the knowledge and better understanding of dermatophytoses and promote learning among healthcare personnel. We believe this description would contribute to expanding our understanding of the epidemiology of dermatophytoses, particularly those caused by E. floccosum. This is the first molecular characterization of E. floccosum as an etiological agent of Tinea unguium in Honduras.