**Core Concept**
Kerion is a severe form of tinea capitis, characterized by an inflammatory, boggy mass on the scalp. It represents a hypersensitivity reaction to the fungal infection, leading to significant inflammation and tissue damage.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The causative organism of kerion is Trichophyton tonsurans, a dermatophyte fungus that infects the hair shaft and surrounding scalp tissue. The organism triggers a strong immune response, resulting in the formation of a kerion. This is a type of suppurative or inflammatory type of tinea capitis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Malassezia is a yeast that causes pityriasis versicolor, not kerion.
**Option B:** Candida albicans is a common cause of cutaneous and mucosal infections, but it is not associated with kerion.
**Option C:** Aspergillus is a fungus that can cause cutaneous and invasive aspergillosis, but it is not the causative organism of kerion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Kerion is a medical emergency that requires prompt antifungal therapy and, in some cases, surgical intervention to prevent tissue damage and scarring.
**Correct Answer:** C. Trichophyton tonsurans.
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