Ringworm is best described as?

• A. A bacterial infection that causes circular ulcers.
• B. A viral infection causing skin blisters.
• C. A parasitic infestation of hair follicles.
• D. A fungal infection that causes round, red lesions. Highly contagious, but treatable.

Answer: (D)

Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophyte fungi that invade keratinized tissues like the skin and hair. It typically shows up as circular or ring-shaped lesions that are red, scaly, and can be itchy. This description of a fungal infection with round, red lesions fits ringworm best, rather than bacterial ulcers, viral blisters, or parasitic skin issues.

In wildlife rehab, its contagious nature matters a lot—fungal spores can spread on fur, bedding, and cages, so strict isolation of affected animals and thorough cleaning of the environment are essential to prevent transmission to other animals and staff. Diagnosis is often supported by targeted tests (like fungal culture or microscopy), and some animals may fluoresce under a Wood’s lamp depending on the organism, but treatment relies on antifungal medications and environmental decontamination. With proper therapy and hygiene, ringworm is treatable, which aligns with the option describing a fungal infection that causes round, red lesions and is highly contagious but treatable.