Nannizzia praecox, formerly known as Microsporum praecox, is a geophilic dermatophyte. Up to now 31 cases of human tinea have been reported in the literature, most of them with an inflammatory course. Three recent cases diagnosed in Germany within 1 year suggest that the fungus might be a more common cause of human dermatophytosis than reported so far. This might be based on the fact that N. praecox is often found in an equine environment and that horse riding is becoming more popular recently.
Keywords: Geophilic dermatophyte; Horse; Inflammatory tinea; Microsporum praecox; Nannizzia praecox; New taxonomy.