Know your fungi

Dr Jenny Robson

writer

Dr Jenny Robson

Microbiologist; Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology's, department of Microbiology and Molecular Pathology

Dr Jenny Robson

In Australia the commonest encounter with fungi in a medical sense is with superficial and cutaneous fungal infections such as those infecting the skin, scalp or nails.

Tinea or ringworm of the scalp, skin and nails

Fungal infection of the scalp (tinea capitus), skin (tinea) and nails (tinea unguium, onychomycosis) is usually caused by dermatophytes which have a unique ability to utilise keratin as a nutrient source due to the presence of the enzyme keratinase allowing colonisation of the stratum corneum.

PASSWORD RESET

Forgot your password or password not working? Please enter your email address. You will receive an email with the link to set a new password.

Share this

Share this

Dr Jenny Robson

writer

Dr Jenny Robson

Microbiologist; Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology's, department of Microbiology and Molecular Pathology

Test your knowledge

Recent articles

Latest GP poll

The government told the public that the average GP is earning $280k per year. Do you think this figure is:

Very overestimated

0%

Moderately/slightly overestimated

0%

Quite accurate

0%

Moderately/slightly underestimated

0%

Very underestimated

0%

Recent podcasts

Listen to expert interviews.
Click to open in a new tab

Find your area of interest

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Save 50% on all seminars. Hurry, sale ends Dec 31!

You're invited to attend the Women's & Children's Health Update 2026, Australia's most popular seminar for GPs and healthcare professionals. Secure your seat by midnight Dec 31 and save!