A dermatophyte from birds:Microsporum ripariaesp. nov.

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Abstract
From feathers and nests of the sand-martin (Riparia riparia L.) a new dermatophyte has been isolated and described as Microsporum ripariae. The fungus shows a certain similarity to M. fulvum, but it can be differentiated in some features. The main differences are the shape, length and number of the microaleuriospores; the colour, diameter and profile of the colony on Sabouraud's glucose agar, malt extract glucose agar and Littman's agar; and 10% NaCl tolerance. M. ripariae is moderately pathogenic for guinea-pig and man. The finding is perhaps also of epidemiological importance since the symptomless carrier migrates regularly from Central Europe to tropical East Africa and vice versa each year, enabling theoretically a mechanical transport of the dermatophyte over great distances.