Spores, sporodochia and fomites in onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a frequent infection. Contagion rarely depends on direct contamination, but rather on environmental propagule dispersion including the intervention of fomites. The potential release of fungal cells in the environment from the affected nails has not been thoroughly studied. Observations made by histomycology suggest that arthroconidia and chlamydoconidia issued from invading fungi can be involved. In addition, the sporodochium, which is an exophytic fungal ball, may be attached underneath the distal free edge of some onychomycoses. It might represent an important source of fungal propagules in patients with poor nail trimming. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.