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Hair perforation test is positive for
Hair perforation test is positive for
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The hair perforation test is used classically to distinguish between two common Trichophyton species based on their ability to penetrate hair in vitro.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Microsporum adouinii
- Epidermophyton floccosum
- Microsporum gypsum
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Mycological differentiation approach:
The hair perforation test distinguishes dermatophytes by their capacity to actively invade (perforate) hair shafts in vitro, producing wedge-shaped perforations perpendicular to the hair shaft.
Key results to remember:
The primary clinical use of this test is to differentiate $\textit{T. mentagrophytes}$ from $\textit{T. rubrum}$, as both are common causes of tinea pedis and tinea unguium but require different clinical approaches.
\[\boxed{\textit{Trichophyton mentagrophytes}}\]
The hair perforation test distinguishes dermatophytes by their capacity to actively invade (perforate) hair shafts in vitro, producing wedge-shaped perforations perpendicular to the hair shaft.
Key results to remember:
| Organism | Hair Perforation Test |
| $\textit{T. mentagrophytes}$ | Positive |
| $\textit{T. rubrum}$ | Negative |
| $\textit{M. audouinii}$ | Negative |
| $\textit{E. floccosum}$ | Does not infect hair |
The primary clinical use of this test is to differentiate $\textit{T. mentagrophytes}$ from $\textit{T. rubrum}$, as both are common causes of tinea pedis and tinea unguium but require different clinical approaches.
\[\boxed{\textit{Trichophyton mentagrophytes}}\]
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