Question:easy

Ringworm is caused by

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Dermatophytes thrive in warm, humid conditions.
Common clinical names for ringworm depend on the infection site, such as Tinea pedis (Athlete's foot) and Tinea cruris (Jock itch).
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • Virus
  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Protozoan
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Note the misleading name.
Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with an actual worm, it describes the ring shaped rash the infection leaves on skin.
Step 2: Identify the true cause.
The infection, called tinea or dermatophytosis, is caused by keratin feeding fungi from genera like Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton.
Step 3: Rule out the other pathogen types.
Viruses, bacteria and protozoans cause very different classes of disease and none of them produce this particular scaly ring shaped skin lesion.
Final answer: Option 3, fungi.
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