Question:

A 40-year old man complains of an itchy rash on his upper chest for 3 weeks. The lesion is getting bigger and bigger. He keeps a dog at home.

Answer: B. Tinea corporis

Skin scraping for fungal culture showed Microsporum canis in this particular patient. M. canis is zoophilic and originates in either a puppy or a kitten. Zoophilic fungi produce an inflammatory infection in humans, but may be clinically silent in animals. Infection can be acquired by direct contact or via fomites. The exposed parts are more often involved. When the disease is localised, a topical antifungal can be used. If the infection is extensive, an oral systemic antifungal is necessary.