Which of the following infects hair, skin and nails?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the student's knowledge of dermatophytes, a type of fungi that infects keratin-containing tissues such as hair, skin, and nails. Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that belong to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is likely Trichophyton, a genus of dermatophytes that infects hair, skin, and nails. Trichophyton species such as T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and T. tonsurans are common causes of fungal infections in humans. These fungi infect keratin-containing tissues by producing enzymes that break down the keratin protein, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is not a type of dermatophyte.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a type of dermatophyte that infects hair, skin, and nails.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because it is not a type of dermatophyte that infects keratin-containing tissues.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that dermatophytes are a common cause of fungal infections in humans, and Trichophyton is a key genus within this group. The clinical presentation of dermatophyte infections can vary depending on the site of infection, but often includes symptoms such as itching, scaling, and inflammation.
**Correct Answer: C. Trichophyton.**