Question

Hair perforation test is positive for

• A. Trichophyton mentagrophytes
• B. Microsporum adouinii
• C. Epidermophyton floccosum
• D. Microsporum gypsum

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The hair perforation test is a diagnostic tool used predominantly to differentiate species of dermatophytes, which are fungi that cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails. The test involves observing the ability of fungi to produce wedge-shaped perforations in the hair shaft when incubated with sterile water at certain conditions.

This test is particularly used to differentiate the various species of the genus Trichophyton and Microsporum. Among the provided options, Trichophyton mentagrophytes is known to consistently demonstrate positive results in the hair perforation test.

In contrast, Microsporum audouinii, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum gypsum typically do not induce the perforations observed in positive hair perforation tests. Thus, the correct answer is Trichophyton mentagrophytes.