Scanning electron microscopic examination of hair in tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans

Objectives: Ultrastructural examination of hair gives many clues about diagnosis. We aimed to investigate the ultrastructural surface on hair infected by Trichophyton tonsurans var. sulfureum. Methods: The hair shaft specimens were obtained from subjects with tinea capitis. Specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: In routine SEM procedure, spor-like structures were observed on hair surfaces with cuticular cells peeling off like minor dissolving. Conclusion: The ultrastructural surface alterations on infected hair with endothrix dermatophytes such as Trichophyton tonsurans might be an unexpected finding during SEM examination of hair. These results may help for differential diagnosis.