[Dermatomycoses observed at the Dermatologic Clinic, Pavia University. 2) Pathology of Microsporum gypseum].

Microsporum gypseum infections are 0.4% of 4900 suspected dermatomycoses examined with direct microscopic exam and culture on Lactrimel medium or D.T.M. This geophilic dermatophyte was isolated in 20 cases (1.5% of all dermatophytes). More frequently M. gypseum caused tinea corporis (13 cases: 65%) and rarely tinea capitis (2 cases: 10%), tinea faciei (2 cases), tinea manus (2 cases) and tinea cruris (1 case). Both sexes are equally affected. Direct microscopic exam was negative in 2 cases. This dermatophyte was more frequently isolated during the summer and fall. Finally M. gypseum was not isolated in tinea pedis and tinea unguium.