Question

Athlete’s foot disease in humans is caused by
a. Bacterium
b. Virus
c. Fungus
d. Worm

Answer 1

The athlete's foot also referred to as tinea pedis, is an infection that usually begins between the toes. People whose feet become very sweaty, tinea pedis occur more commonly to those while confined within tightfitting shoes. The organism that infects human feet is present on the skin and found commonly on skin proteins called keratin.

Complete answer:
- The athlete's foot is normally contagious in nature and it can be spread via contaminated floors, towels, or clothing.
- Athlete's foot is related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs.
- It can easily spread from one person to another in moist places where people walk barefoot, in gym locker rooms, and swimming pools.
- For these organisms to cause infection cuts or blisters on the feet are the best sites.

There are 4 types of athlete's foot:
- vesicular or blistered, interdigital, ulcerative, and moccasin type.
- The interdigital athlete's foot is seen between the 4th and 5th toes.
- Moccasin-type and interdigital athlete's feet are caused by the fungus T. rubrum.
- Vesicular or blistered athlete's foot is caused to be due to an allergic reaction to fungal organisms, leading to blister formation.
- Ulcerative tinea pedis occurs in severe cases and affect large areas, and there's a secondary bacterial infection on top of the fungal infection.
- The athlete's foot usually forms between the fourth and fifth (smallest) toes or third and fourth toes.
- The infection is worse when there are sweaty feet and wearing tight socks or shoes that stay in moisture. If a bacterial infection happens, the skin will ooze, burn, and smell.
- There is no itching or inflammation seen in moccasin type.
- People with vesicular or blistered athlete's foot form blisters in response to an allergic reaction to the fungi.
- Symptoms include painful ulcers between the toes, which often take a long time to heal, scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging, and burning.
- The bacterium causes diseases like tuberculosis, cholera, and leprosy.
- The virus causes diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID-19.
- Worms cause diseases such as ascariasis, amoebiasis.
- Hence Athletes foot disease in humans is caused by the fungus

So, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Tinea pedis often lead to foot or leg infections also called cellulitis It is worrisome in people who have diabetes or chronic vascular diseases if not taken proper care. It is typically acquired by coming into contact with infected skin, or fungus present in the environment. If it is left untreated it can become severe and can lead to bacterial infections.