Is an ungual dermatophyte necessarily pathogenic?
Baran, R.; Badillet, G.
Annales de Dermatologie et de Venereologie 110(8): 629-631
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0151-9638 PMID: 6229211 Document Number: 208049
From personal observations it is concluded that the detection of a dermatophyte in culture need not automatically imply that the fungus is pathogenic. The detection should be corroborated by a clinical aspect of onychomycosis and/or a positive anatomical and pathological finding. Caution is required in interpreting the temporary presence of a dermatophyte on a normal nail or one with early onycholysis, for the fungus may remain passive, depending on the receptivity or adaptation of the host.