Abstract
Tinea cruris, one kind of superficial dermatophyte infection, was examined by removing the skin with adhesive tape from the upper layer to the lower layer of the affected horny layer. The specimens obtained were subjected to scanning microscopic observation in order to determine the parasitic forms of fungi.
The results may be summarized as follows:
1) Long hyphae were seen in the upper horny layer with marked branching. Intervals between septa became shorter in the middle to lower horny layers. Segmentation was more marked, and arthrospores were recognized in the lower horny layer.
2) It was assumed that changes in the shape of dermatophytes in the horny layer are based on the hostparasite relationship, and fungi are present as hyphae→spores→hyphae according to the enviroment. The life cycle within the horny layer was established to perpetuate the infection.
3) Dermatophytes completely invaded the horny cell layer, or developed by building tunnels in the horny layer. However, fungi were not only found in the intercellular space.
4) After removal of the fungi invading the horny layer, grooves corresponding to the presence of the fungi could be observed, and it was assumed that fungi are not lodged tightly in the horny cells.
