Epidermophyton is a genus of fungus found worldwide that causes superficial and cutaneous infection. Human beings are the primary host of Epidermophyton and it is found in soil.
This fungus can affect otherwise healthy people with dermatophytosis such as tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), and onychomycosis or tinea unguium, a fungal infection of the nail bed. This infection is restricted to the nonliving cornified layers of epidermis.
Keratinized tissues restrict the dissemination of infection caused by dermatophytes. As with all forms of dermatophytosis, Epidermophyton infections are communicable and usually transmitted by contact, particularly in common showers and gym facilities.