Human infection due to the hedgehog fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei

Three human cases of skin infection caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei are recorded. A review of work on the incidence and ecology in hedgehogs and as a source of human infection is given. It is suggested that a true increase in human infections is occurring. A description of the colonial and microscopical appearance of the fungus and their variance with other T. mentagrophytes varieties is discussed. The name Trichophyton erinacei is proposed as being taxonomically more correct.