Which statement about keratinase in dermatophyte infections is most accurate?

• A. Keratinase is a viral protease required for assembly of dermatophyte virions in infected tissue.
• B. Keratinase is a bacterial toxin that inhibits keratin synthesis by blocking ribosomal translation.
• C. Keratinase is an enzyme produced by dermatophytes that helps them degrade keratin in skin, hair, and nails.
• D. Keratinase is an enzyme produced by human keratinocytes to cross-link keratin during cornification.

Answer: (C)