BACKGROUND

Trichophyton mentagrophytes species complex comprises dermatophytes responsible for common superficial fungal infections affecting keratinised tissues. Recent shifts in taxonomy and increasing antifungal resistance-necessitate an updated understanding of this fungal complex.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review provides a comprehensive update on the taxonomy, host immune response and clinical genotyping of the T. mentagrophytes complex, with a focus on zoonotic and anthropophilic infections in humans.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Scopus using MeSH terms and relevant keywords related to T. mentagrophytes, T. interdigitale, and T. indotineae. Eligible English-language publications up to March 2025-including original research, case reports, reviews and guidelines-were included.

RESULTS

The T. mentagrophytes complex includes several genotypes with distinct transmission profiles. Genotypes III/III* are primarily zoonotic; genotype VII is sexually transmitted, especially in MSM populations; genotype VIII (T. indotineae) is anthropophilic and associated with terbinafine resistance. Infection involves keratinocyte adhesion, enzymatic skin barrier degradation and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides. Both innate and adaptive immunity, particularly Th1 and Th17 responses, are critical for fungal clearance, whereas chronic infections are associated with impaired T-cell function and skewed Th2 responses.

CONCLUSION

Emerging genotypes and drug resistance within the T. mentagrophytes complex pose increasing clinical challenges. Awareness of transmission patterns, immune evasion mechanisms and resistance profiles is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of dermatophytosis.