Epidemiology of dermatomycoses of humans in central Poland. Part V. Tinea corporis

The total number of dermatophytoses (7393) included 2204 (29.8%) cases of tinea glabrosa. Etiological factors in descending order were: Microsporum canis (23.5%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum (21.6%), Trichophyton rubrum (17.8%), Trichophyton tonsurans (10.4%), Epidermophyton floccosum (7.7%), T. mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum (6.0%), Microsporum gypseum (5.3%), Trichophyton violaceum (3.7%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (2.3%), Microsporum equinum (0.7%), Trichophyton verrucosum (0.4%), Trichophyton spec. (0.4%), Microsporum cookei (0.14%). At present tinea glabrosa is dominant among all clinical forms of dermatophyte infections of skin and skin appendages in the Lód? region.     

Epidemiology of dermatophytoses observed in Rome, Italy, between 1985 and 1993

Summary. Between 1985 and 1993, 13 880 patients were studied for possible forms of dermatophytoses. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was in 2821 positive cases Microsporum canis (50%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (27%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10.6%), Epidermophyton floccosum (9.3%), Microsporum gypseum (2.3%), Trichophyton violaceum (0.6%), Trichophyton tonsurans (0.2%) and Trichophyton verrucosum (<0.1%). The genera and species isolated were also considered in relation to the site of the lesion. Our epidemiological data were compared with those obtained by other authors in other cities and with those obtained in Rome in previous studies conducted between 1972–77 and 1978–83. Results obtained by various investigators in Europe are also discussed.
Zusammenfassung. Zwischen 1985 und 1993 wurden 13 880 Patienten auf mögliche dermatophytosen untersucht. Aus insgesamt 2821 positiven Fällen ergab sich die folgende Häufigkeitsreihe isolierter Dermatophyten: Microsporum canis (50%), Trichophyton rubrum (27%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10.6%), Epidermophyton floccosum (9.3%), Microsporum gypseum (2.3%), Trichophyton violaceum (0.6%), Trichophyton tonsurans (0.2%) und Trichophyton verrucosum (<0.1%). Gattung und Art werden in Bezug auf die Infektlokalisation ebenfalls diskutiert. Unsere epidemiologischen Daten werden verglichen mit Daten anderer Autoren in anderen Städten und mit älteren Studien aus Rom, die von 1972–1977 und von 1978–1983 durchgeführt wurden. Ergebnisse analoger Studien aus anderen Gebieten Europas werden ebenfalls diskutiert.     

The aetiological agents of tinea capitis in Zaragoza (Spain)

Between 1977 and 1997, 190 cases of tinea capitis were observed. The age groups most commonly infected were 1-10 years old. The following dermatophytes were isolated: Microsporum canis (119), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (57), Trichophyton tonsurans (seven), Trichophyton verrucosum (three), Trichophyton violaceum (one), Trichophyton schoenleinii (one), Trichophyton soudanense (one) and Microsporum audouinii (one).     

Die Häufigkeit von Dermatophyten an Haaren gesunder Katzen und Hunde

Die Häufigkeit von Dermatophyten im gesunden Fell oder im Fell nicht pilzbedingter Hauterkrankungen — trockenes Ekzem, Alopezie nach der Geburt, Kala-Azar, usw. — wurde bei 100 Katzen und 300 Hunden ermittelt. Bei 17 (17 %) Katzen und 18 (6 %) Hunden wurden Dermatophyten nachgewiesen. Aus den Untersuchungsmaterialien der Katzen wurde nur der Dermatophyt Microsporum canis gezüchtet. Aus den Proben von den Hunden wurden neben Microsporum canis — (14mal), Microsporum gypseum — (2mal) und Trichophyton mentagrophytes-Stämme (2mal) isoliert.

Summary

The prevalence of dermatophytes was determined in the healthy skin or in dermatological skin lesions which were not caused by fungi-dry eczema, alopecia after delivery, kala-azar etc. —of 100 cats and 300 dogs. In 17 (17 %) cats and 18 (6 %) dogs dermatophytes were found. From the samples of the cats only the dermatophyte Microsporum canis was cultured. From the samples of the dogs strains of Microsporum canis (14), of Microsporum gypseum (2) and of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2) were isolated.     

Aetiological agents of tinea capitis in Tehran (Iran)

A total of 1568 patients with suspected tinea capitis were examined for causative fungal agents between 1994 and 2001. Laboratory examination confirmed tinea capitis in 209 patients. Males were affected more frequently (67.5%) than females (32.5%) and in both sexes, those who were 3-11 years old, were more infected. Trichophyton violaceum was the most common aetiological agent (37.3%) followed by Trichophyton schoenleinii (21.5%), Microsporum canis (18.6%), Trichophyton verrocosum (14.8%), Trichophyton tonsurans (5.3%), Trichophyton rubrum (1%), Microsporum gypseum (1%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0.5%). A higher incidence of the disease was found to be correlated with larger family and class size. The findings are discussed in relation to different socioeconomic and hygienic backgrounds of the children.     

Tinea capitis in Diyarbakir, Turkey

The incidence and types of tinea capitis in 234 children aged 1-12 referred to our laboratory with a preliminary diagnosis of tinea capitis infection in the past 5 years were investigated. Tinea capitis was determined in 149 (63.7%) of these patients, of which agents grew in culture in 124 (83.2%). The most frequently isolated agents, in order of frequency, are as follows: Trichophyton violaceum (43.6%), Microsporum canis (37.9%), T. mentagrophytes (8.1%) and T. verrucosum (4.8%).     

The Role of Cats and Dogs in the Epidemiological Cycle of Microsporum canis*/Die Rolle von Katzen und Hunden im epidemiologischen Zyklus des Microsporum canis

Summary: In order to study the presence of dermatophytes in healthy domestic animals, 104 cats and 126 dogs were studied in São Paulo (Brazil), by using the technique of Mariat & Tapia. Microsporum canis was verified in 88.46% of cats and in 7.93% of dogs. In a lower percentage, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. ajelloi were also isolated. In view of these data, more attention should be given to the cats due to their importance in the transmission and persistence of M. canis. Zusammenfassung: Zur Untersuchung auf Anwesenheit auf Dermatophyten in gesunden Haustieren wurden 104 Katzen und 126 Hunde in São Paulo (Brasilien) mit der Technik von Mariat & Tapia untersucht Microsporum canis konnte bei 88,46% der Katzen und bei 7,93% der Hunde isoliert werden. Mit einem niedrigeren Prozentsatz wurden auch M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes und T. ajelloi gefunden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Bedeutung gesunder Katzen für die übertragung und den Weiterbestand von Microsporum canis-Infektionen.     

Dermatophytoses in Prague, Czech Republic, between 1987 and 1998

Over a 12-year period, from 1987 to 1998, the spectrum of aetiological agents isolated from 11208 patients (6265 females and 4943 males) suspected of having dermatomycosis was analysed in the mycological laboratory of the Department of Dermatology, Charles University, Prague. The most frequently examined locations were toenails (34.9%), feet (15.6%), fingernails (12.8%), toe webs (11%), trunk (10%) and hands (8.7%). Dermatophytes were isolated from 5605 (30.2%) of all 18528 samples examined. Among dermatophytes, the most common infectious agent was Trichophyton rubrum (90.2%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (6.6%), Microsporum canis (1.8%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (1.4%). Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum persicolor and Microsporum gypseum were rare. During this 12-year period the pattern of aetiological agents of dermatomycoses in Prague was relatively stable.     

Dermatophytoses in monterrey, méxico

In the present report we reviewed a total of 2397 cases of dermatophytosis from superficial cutaneous lesions between the years 1978 and 1990. The cases included were from the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital located in the city of Monterrey, México. A total of 726 tinea pedis, 613 tinea unguium, 441 tinea capitis, 395 tinea corporis and 222 tinea cruris cases were observed. The most commonly isolated dermatophyte species was Trichophyton rubrum (45%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (23.7%), Trichophyton tonsurans (21%), Microsporum canis (7.1%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (2.5%). Less frequently we isolated Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton verrucosum. Most of the cases were observed in the warmest months of the year (from March to September), and were equally distributed in both genders, except for tinea cruris which was more prevalent in men (3.5 : 1 ratio).     

Tinea capitis in children in the district of Cagliari, Italy

Summary. Between 1986 and 1995, 4104 children were observed in the Clinic of Dermatology in Cagliari, Italy. Three hundred and thirty-six children (8.2%), 188 boys and 148 girls, aged 1 month to 13 years, were affected by tinea capitis. Microsporum canis was detected in 278 cases (82.7%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 58 cases (17.3%). Systemic treatment with 20–25 mg kg^-1 day^-1 griseofulvin led to complete recovery in 30–40 days. None of the patients relapsed. The epidemiology of the infection was analysed according to age, sex and seasonal progression. Microsporum canis was the preponderant aetiological agent of tinea capitis in children in the district of Cagliari, Italy.
Zusammenfassung. In den Jahren 1986–1995 sind in der dermatologischen Klinik der Universität Cagliari (Italien) 4104 Kinder untersucht worden, wobei bei 336 (8.2%) im Alter zwischen einem Monat und 13 Jahren (188 männlich und 148 weiblich) eine Tinea capitis diagnostiziert wurde. Unter den isolierten Myzeten wurden in 278 (82.7%) Fällen Microsporum canis und in 58 (17.3%) Fällen Trichophyton mentagrophytes gefunden. Die Basisbehandlung mit Griseofulvin 20–25 mg kg^-1 die^-1 hat bei allen Patienten nach 30–40 Tagen zur vollständigen Heilung geführt. Es traten keine Rezidive auf. Das epidemiologische Profil wurde in Beziehung zum Alter, Geschlecht, und jahreszeitlichem Verlauf analysiert. M. canis war der Erreger in den meisten Fällen von Tinea capitis im Kindesalter in der Provinz Cagliari.     

Tinea capitis in Basrah, Iraq.

Tinea capitis is the most common type of dermatophytosis constituting 35.2% (173/491) of all cases of dermatophytosis seen at two out-patients dermatological clinics of the Basrah General Hospital and at two private dermatological clinics between October 1994 and December 1995. Males were more commonly affected than females represented by 60 and 40%, respectively. Out of 173 mycologically positive cases, 143 specimens were culture-positive, represented by five dermatophyte species; Trichophyton violaceum was the most frequent causative agent (38.5%), followed by Trichophyton verrucosum (28.7%), Microsporum canis (26.5%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes (5.6%) and Microsporum gypseum (0.7%). Six atypical cases appeared as cases of seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff and were proved to be atypical cases of tinea capitis caused by T. violaceum.     

Prevalence of tinea capitis in southern Kuwait

Tinea capitis of the scalp, an infection caused by dermatophytes, produces a significant health problem especially among school children. The object of this study was to highlight the prevalence of tinea capitis in southern Kuwait. During this retrospective study from 1998 to 2003, 1737 suspected cases were examined, 986 (58.6%) were men and 751 (43.2%) were women of which 371 cases were diagnosed as tinea capitis. Of 371 cases of tinea capitis, males comprised 54.2% and females 45.8%. Young children (up to age five) were more frequently infected than other age groups, grey type lesions were more common than other types. Microsporum canis was the most common organism noticed with 62.5% followed by Trichophyton violaceum with 19.3%, Trichophyton tonsurans with 13.1%, while Trichophyton rubrum was the least common. Tinea capitis of scalp is a significant health problem in southern Kuwait especially among young children of school age. The spread of infection can be prevented by health education, proper diagnosis and treatment.     

Tinea incognito in Italy: a 15-year survey

Tinea incognito or steroid modified tinea is a dermatophytic infection in which topical or systemic steroids, administered as a result of dermatological misdiagnosis or preexisting pathologies, have modified the clinical appearance of the fungal infection, transforming the typical ringworm and mimicking other skin diseases. This is a retrospective study of the agents, clinical aspects, sources of infection of 200 cases (98 males, 102 females, mean age 42 years) of tinea incognito, observed in Siena and Milan, Italy, in the period 1987-2002. In order of decreasing frequency, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton erinacei were isolated. The clinical appearance of the infection was lupus erythematosus discoid-like, eczema-like, rosacea-like, especially on the face, impetigo-like and eczema-like on trunk and limbs. Less often the dermatophytosis resembled psoriasis, purpura, seborrhoic dermatitis and lichen planus. There was folliculitis in 9% of cases and dermatophytid in 3% of cases. Antimycotic therapy brought about clinical and mycological recovery in all patients except one, who had iatrogenic immunodepression.     

Difference in keratinase activity of dermatophytes at different environmental conditions is an attribute of adaptation to parasitism

Dermatophytes are a group of morphologically and physiologically related moulds, which cause well-defined infection called dermatophytosis. The enzymatic ability of fungi to decompose keratin has long been interpreted as a key innovation in the evolution of animal dermatology. In the present study, keratinase activity profile among Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum isolated on keratin substrates such as human hair, human nail and chicken feather at variable environmental conditions of temperature, pH and metal ions was elucidated. All the above-mentioned fungal strains were isolated from soil using To-KA-Va baiting technique and keratinolytic activity was measured spectrophotometrically. In the temperature range of 30-40 °C and slightly alkaline pH (7.0-8.0), Trichophyton produced the highest activity of keratinase. It can be presumed that high enzyme production of Trichophyton species at normal body temperature range and pH could be an attribute for obligate anthropization in some dermatophytes.     

Tinea capitis in Egypt

In den letzten zwei Jahren wurden 250 Fälle von Kopfpilzerkrankungen mykologisch untersucht. In 172 Fällen konnte der Erreger kulturell nachgewiesen werden. In 92 Fällen (53,3%) wurde Trichophyton violaceum isoliert, in 46 Fällen (26,7%) war Trichophyton schoenleinii der Erreger, in 32 Fällen (18,8%) Microsporum canis. Trichophyton mentagrophytes und Trichophyton tonsurans wurden je einmal isoliert. Microsporum audouinii wurde nicht angetroffen.
Aus einer Übersicht über die Literatur ergibt sich, daß Trichophyton violaceum der häufigste Erreger der Kopfpilzerkrankungen in Ägypten ist.     

Studies on Dermatomycoses in Dairy Animals/ Untersuchungen über Hautmykosen bei Milchvieh

Summary: The incidence of mycotic dermatitis of dairy animals due to various fungi has been investigated in different parts of Gujarat, India during the period between August, 1980 and March, 1982. A total of 139 samples from 86 cattle, 51 buffalos, and 2 goats having cutaneous lesions were examined for various dermatophytes. Out of the total of samples examined from the cases of dermatitis, 60.4% were found positive for dermatophytes. Of the 65 isolates obtained in culture, 58 were Trichophyton verrucosum, 2 T. mentagrophytes, 2 Microsporum canis, 2 M. gypseum and 1 T. rubrum. Besides, mixed infection of dermatophytes and mites were encountered in 4 animals. Typical ringworm lesions were mainly found in the head and neck regions. Generalized cases however, involving the entire body were observed in 12 calves. The disease was more frequent and severe in young cattle below 1 year of age. Cases of mycotic dermatitis occurred throughout the year but the incidence was high during winter months.
Zusammenfassung: Das Vorkommen von Hautmykosen durch verschiedene Erreger wurde in Gujarat, Indien, zwischen August 1980 und März 1982 untersucht 139 Proben wurden von 86 Rindern, 51 Büffeln und zwei Ziegen mit Hautläsionen auf Dermatophyten untersucht. Bei 60,4% der Proben wurden Dermatophyten gefunden. Es handelte sich bei den 65 Isolaten im einzelnen um Trichophyton verrucosum (58), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (2), Microsporum canis (2), Microsporum gypseum (2) und Trichophyton rubrum (1). Mischinfektionen mit Dermatophyten wurden bei 4 Tieren gefunden. Die typischen Mykoseherde fanden sich vor allem an Kopf und Hals. Bei 12 Kälbern wurden auch generalisierte Hautmykosen gesehen. Kälber, die jünger als 1 Jahr waren, erkrankten häufiger und schwerer. Hautmykosen traten während des ganzen Jahres auf, jedoch besonders oft im Winter.     

Dermatophytes isolated from domestic animals in Iran

Between 1994 and 1998, a total of 790 feather, hair and skin specimens from a variety of animals with suspected dermatophytoses were studied, of which 248 (31.4%) yielded dermatophytes. The most frequent dermatophytes isolated were Microsporum canis (38.3%), Trichophyton verrucosum (31.8%), T. mentagrophytes (13.3%) and M. gypseum (7.7%). There was a significantly higher proportion of positive cultures from cats (54.8%) than dogs (8.2%), and M. canis was the most common species isolated (87.2 and 50% respectively). Trichophyton verrucosum was the most frequent causative agent of dermatophytoses in ruminants, M. equinum in horses, M. gypseum in rabbits, M. gallinae in chickens and T. mentagrophytes in pet squirrels.     

Dermatophytoses in the Gdansk area, Poland: a 12-year survey

Summary. A survey of dermatophytes and dermatophytoses was carried out among patients of the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Gdansk, in the years 1984-95. Over the 12-year period, 1195 cases of ringworm were seen: 55% in men and 45% in women. Listing the dermatophytes isolated and their frequencies as a percentage of the total are as follows: Trichophyton mentagrophytes 42.1%, Microsporum canis 26.0%, Trichophyton rubrum 14.7%, Epidermophyton floccosum 11.0%, Trichophyton tonsurans 4.6%, Trichophyton verrucosum 1.3%, Trichophyton violaccum 0.3%. The most common clinical variant of dermatophytosis in the Gdansk area was tinea cutis glabrae (32.9%), followed by tinea pedis (24%), onychomycosis (16.5%), tinea capitis (11.9%)), tinea inguinalis (10.3%) and tinea manuum (4.4%). Dermatophytoses were significantly more frequent among adults (> 15 years) (71.3%).
Zusammenfassung. Dermatophytosen und ihre Erreger, in den Jahren 1984–1995 in der Dermatologischen Klinik in Gdansk diagnostiziert, werden in einer Übersicht zusammengestellt. Es wurden 1195 Fälle von Dermatophytosen beobachtet, darunter 55% bei Männern und 45% bei Frauen. Die Dermatophyten wurden in folgenden Häufigkeiten beobachtet: Trichophyton mentagrophytes 42.1%, Microsporum canis 26.0%, Trichophyton rubrum 14.7%, Epidermophyton floccosum 11.0%, Trichophyton tonsurans 4.6%, Trichophyton verrucosum 1.3%, Trichophyton violaceum 0.3%. Am häufigsten wurde in Gdansk Tinea cutis glabrae (32.9%), Tinea pedis (24%), Onychomycosis (16.5%), Tinea capitis (11.9%)), Tinea inguinalis (10.3%), und Tinea manuum (4.4%) gefunden. Dermatophyten wurden bei Erwachsenen (> 15 Jahre) deutlich häufiger (71.3%) beobachtet als bei Kindern unter 15 Jahren.     

Dermatophyte Carriers among School Children Dermatophyten-Träger unter Schulkindern

Summary: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis were isolated from apparently healthy scalps of schoolboys during an epidemiological study of dermatophyte carriers. Various other keratinophilic fungi were also isolated. Zusammenfassung: Während einer epidemiologischen Untersuchung auf Dermatophyten-Träger konnten Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis von offensichtlich gesunder Kopfhaut bei Schuljungen isoliert werden.     

Dermatophytoses in Split and Dalmatia, Croatia, 1996-2002

The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of dermatophyte infections in Split and Dalmatia County, Croatia, between 1996 and 2002. Of 5792 samples 1318 (23.8%) were positive. Tinea corporis and tinea cruris were the most common types of dermatophytoses. Microsporum canis (36.5%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (24.8%), and T. rubrum (21.5%) were the main etiologic factors.