Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of the fungus Tricho- phyton mentagrophytes. This dermatophyte fungus causes human skin infections. It is an agent of athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) and scalp ringworm (Tinea capitus). Here, hyphal threads of the fungal mycelium are seen and rounded single-celled spores. The spores are the means of infection. Trichophyton mentagrophytes has two varieties: interdigitale infects the feet; mentagrophytes inhabits skin of the scalp giving rise to round scaly lesions and itchy patches of hair loss, mainly in children. It is treated with anti-fungal drugs. Magnification: x850 at 6x6 cm size. x1,300 at 4x4"~SQUARE"