Originally, the fungus was thought to be Microsporum gypseum until enhanced genetic examination separated the two as distinct species in 1963.

The fungus propagates sexually reproductive asci that are 5-7 microns large with up to 8 spores, which are densely packed with ascospores.

[4] However, both strains demonstrate a positive result for their ability to hydrolyze the urea molecule, indicating the presence of the urease enzyme.

[4] The species is commonly found invading obsolete hair fibres and skin molecules which are made of keratin proteins.

[2] It can be found growing on the keratinized material of many different mammalian species including humans, horses, rodents, dogs, etc.

[6] However, a higher incidence of colonization of M. fulvum has been documented on the epidermis of hedgehogs without causing any serious skin lesions, suggesting a commensal relationship between the organisms.

[2] Due to the similar behavioural description of species in the Microsporum genus, it is believed that penetration of the mucous membrane is necessary for the fungus to become infectious to the host, otherwise the fungal organism can coexist without harm.

[9] After a 20-year-old man in Iran was diagnosed with a M. fulvum fungal infection,[9] a study was conducted on Iranian soil cultures from regions of varying temperatures.

[9] In clinical reports, researchers have used methods referred to as Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Sequencing and Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (Maldi-TOF) Mass Spectrometry to differentiate the species of the Microsporum gypseum complex.

[12] Each of these can be caused by Microsporum fulvum, as well as other fungi, and elicit a similar immune response leading to dry patches, rashes, redness, edema, etc.

[13] Research shows that most infections from M. fulvum will have a duration of approximately one month and regress on their own, with the exception of more severe cases that require treatment.

However, defense mechanisms are present within mammalian blood serum that inhibit these molecules and do not allow the fungus to travel throughout the body in the circulatory system.

[4] Initial infections with Microsporum fulvum are most likely from indirect sources where the fungus inhabited soil that came into contact with the mucous membrane of an animal.

[5] Incidence of infection cases increase in winter months with cold climates due to continued use of closed-toed footwear which provide a good environment for fungal growth.

Poultry industries have become interested in organisms which intrinsically produce keratinase for the reasoning that chicken feathers, which have high levels of dense keratin, are tough to break down and utilize.

Fungal keratinase could be cultivated to break down chicken feathers into smaller products which could be converted into other material, such as animal feed.