Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Trichophyton mentagrophytes perforates hair shaft and produces wedge-shaped areas in hair perforation test
Statement II: Hair perforation test is used to distinguish Trichophyton mentagrophytes from Trichophyton rubrum
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Hair Perforation Test:
T. mentagrophytes $\rightarrow$ POSITIVE (Wedge-shaped perforations).
T. rubrum $\rightarrow$ NEGATIVE (No wedge perforations).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In vitro hair perforation testing (hair baiting) provides diagnostic differentiation between keratinophilic dermatophyte species.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In diagnostic veterinary and medical mycology:
1. Statement I: In the in vitro Hair Perforation Test, Trichophyton mentagrophytes hyphae penetrate sterilized virgin human/animal hair shafts perpendicular to the long axis, producing characteristic conical wedge-shaped transverse perforation tunnels (Hair perforation positive). Hence, Statement I is true.
2. Statement II: The hair perforation test is the classic mycological laboratory test used to reliably differentiate {Trichophyton mentagrophytes (hair perforation positive) from {Trichophyton rubrum (hair perforation negative; produces only surface erosion). Hence, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Both Statement I and Statement II are true, matching option (A).