[From hedgehogs to men. Zoophilic dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton erinacei in eight patients].

The hedgehog is an in Germany previously unrecognized source of human ringworm. Eight hedgehog caretakers from Göttingen and the surrounding area developed dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton erinacei. Four patients who handled the animals without gloves developed lesions on the hands that were more in keeping with hand eczema, leading to a delay in diagnosis.

[Black nails caused by Proteus mirabilis].

Black nails caused by Proteus mirabilis were seen in a motor mechanic and in a petrol pump attendant. Proteus mirabilis is a gram-negative bacillus that generates hydrogen sulfide. This compound reacts with traces of metals in the nail plate such as zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, tin, copper and lead.

[Diagnosis, clinical aspects and therapy of early chromoblastomycosis in a case example].

Despite the availability of modern antimycotics, which produce high cure rates in early infections, the therapy of advanced chromoblastomycosis is still unsatisfactory. An initial chromoblastomycosis caused by a hitherto unidentified species of the genus Phialophora was diagnosed in a 46-year-old teacher. The organism was isolated twice at an interval of 6 weeks from a partly psoriasiform, partly verrucous lesion on the 4th toe.

[The lipolytic activity of dermatophytes].

Dermatophytes are able to crack the fatty acid molecule of polyoxyethylensorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylensorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40), polyoxyethylensorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), and polyoxyethylensorbitan monooleate (Tween 80). The hydrolysis of this medium occurs due to lipolytical enzymes of dermatophytes. The liberated fatty acids bind up the calcium, which is added in the medium.