Background: The distribution of distinct species of dermatophytes is continuously changing and different species of dermatophytes can cause the same type of tinea. Therefore, it is necessary to always identify the pathogenic agents in dermatophytoses.
Patients and methods: An unusual fungus was isolated from moccasin type tinea pedis in a HIV-positive immunocompromised patient from the Ivory Coast and characterized by morphological, physiological and genetic methods.
Results: The strain under study showed typical characteristics of dermatophytes but considering all its morphologic, physiologic and genetic features it unambiguously differed from all previously described species.
Conclusion: The strain was recently described as a new dermatophyte species (Trichophyton eboreum). Distribution and pathogenicity of this species are as yet unknown.