Epidemiology and management of tinea capitis in France: A 6-year nationwide retrospective survey.

Tinea capitis (TC) is still a frequent dermatophytosis in France, both autochthonous and imported. A nationwide retrospective survey was performed and a total of 4395 TC cases were recorded within 36 French mycology laboratories during a 6-year period. TC is a disease that occurs in childhood with 85% of the cases occurring before 10 years old and 94% before the age of 15. Anthropophilic origin was predominant with 779 cases of Trichophyton tonsurans (32.6%), 738 cases of Trichophyton soudanense/T. violaceum (31%), and 445 cases of Microsporum audouinii (19.2%). Of note, T. tonsurans represents more than 80% of the cases in the French West Indies (Martinique and Guadeloupe). By contrast, zoophilic species were less prevalent with mainly M. canis (10.3%) confirming the shift from zoophilic to anthropophilic species observed in many centers during the last decades. During this survey, diagnosis methods were also collected. Most labs had a classical process for the diagnosis: microscopic direct examination associated to cultures on Sabouraud and Sabouraud-cycloheximide media (incubated between 25 ± 5°C for at least 3 weeks) in all laboratories. Identification of the causal dermatophyte was performed by microscopic and macroscopic examination of the cultures in 100% of the labs, with various specific culture media available when fructification was insufficient (mainly malt or potato-dextrose agar, or Borelli medium). New techniques were also implemented with the introduction of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification in more than two third of the labs, and molecular identification available if necessary in half of the labs.

A total of 4395 tinea capitis cases were recorded within 36 French mycology laboratories during a 6-year period. An anthropophilic origin was predominant with 33%, 31%, and 18.8% of cases due to Trichophyton tonsurans, T. soudanense/T. violaceum, and Microsporum audouinii, respectively.

Epidemiologic features and therapeutic strategies of kerion: A nationwide multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Kerion is a severe type of tinea capitis that is difficult to treat and remains a public health problem. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the epidemiologic features and efficacy of different treatment schemes from real-world experience. METHODS: From 2019 to 2021, 316 patients diagnosed with kerion at 32 tertiary Chinese hospitals were enrolled. We analysed the data of each patient, including clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, treatments and outcomes. RESULTS: Preschool children were predominantly affected and were more likely to have zoophilic infection. The most common pathogen in China was Microsporum canis. Atopic dermatitis (AD), animal contact, endothrix infection and geophilic pathogens were linked with kerion occurrence. In terms of treatment, itraconazole was the most applied antifungal agent and reduced the time to mycological cure. A total of 22.5% of patients received systemic glucocorticoids simultaneously, which reduced the time to complete symptom relief. Furthermore, glucocorticoids combined with itraconazole had better treatment efficacy, with a higher rate and shorter time to achieving mycological cure. CONCLUSIONS: Kerion often affects preschoolers and leads to serious sequelae, with AD, animal contact, and endothrix infection as potential risk factors. Glucocorticoids, especially those combined with itraconazole, had better treatment efficacy.

Exploring treatment and antifungal resistance in an outbreak of tinea caused by Microsporum audouinii.

BACKGROUND: Microsporum audouinii has resurged recently. Infections with the dermatophyte are difficult to treat, which raises the question if we treat M. audouinii infections with the most effective antifungal (AF) agent. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study was to investigate an outbreak of tinea capitis (TC) in Denmark, address the challenges in outbreak management and to conduct two reviews regarding previous outbreaks and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). METHODS: We used Wood's light, culture, direct microscopy, and PCR for screening and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) for treatment optimization. We performed two reviews to explore M. audouinii outbreaks and MIC values using broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Of 73 screened individuals, 10 had confirmed M. audouinii infections. Clinical resistance to griseofulvin was observed in 4 (66%) cases. While previous outbreaks showed high griseofulvin efficacy, our study favoured terbinafine, fluconazole and itraconazole in our hard-to-treat cases. AFST guided the choice of AF. Through the literature search, we identified five M. audouinii outbreaks, where differences in management included the use of Wood's light and prophylactic topical AF therapy. Terbinafine MIC values from the literature ranged from 0.002 to 0.125 mg/L. CONCLUSION: Use of Wood's light and preventive measurements were important for limiting infection. The literature lacked MIC data for griseofulvin against M. audouinii, but indicated sensitivity for terbinafine. The clinical efficacy for M. audouinii treatment was contradictory favouring both terbinafine and griseofulvin. AFST could have a key role in the treatment of difficult cases, but lack of standardisation of AFST and MIC breakpoints limits its usefulness.

Management of tinea capitis in infants and children in the United States: A national survey of pediatric dermatologists.

This study aimed to evaluate the current management of tinea capitis in the United States, specifically focusing on patients aged 0-2 months, 2 months to 2 years, and 2 years to 18 years. An online survey, distributed through the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance and the Society of Pediatric Dermatology, revealed the following preferences: fluconazole for those under 2 months, griseofulvin for those aged 2 months to 2 years, and terbinafine for those aged 2 years and older. There exists inter-provider variation in tinea capitis treatment regimens within the pediatric dermatology community.

Photodynamic therapy combined with antifungal drugs against kerion: A report of six cases and literature review.

Kerion, a severe manifestation of tinea capitis caused by dermatophytes, is a fungal skin disease primarily affecting children. This report discusses six cases of pediatric kerion that were successfully treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and antifungal agents. Additionally, we conducted a literature review, identifying and analyzing six published reports on kerion and tinea capitis. The characteristics and efficacies of these cases are summarized. In summary, early combination therapy and proactive pre-treatment interventions proved effective in maximizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing disease duration and minimizing adverse reactions such as cicatricial alopecia. This approach has emerged as a favorable choice for the treatment of kerion.

Case Report: Itraconazole Oral Solution Continuous Therapy for Infantile Tinea Capitis.

Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes in children, but it is rare in infants. Although oral itraconazole has been widely used to treat tinea capitis, its use in infants is limited due to its low prevalence in this age group. A previous study reported the effectiveness of itraconazole continuous therapy in treating infantile tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. However, this approach has not been extended to tinea capitis caused by other fungi. In this study, we present four cases of infantile tinea capitis treated with continuous itraconazole oral solution therapy (5 mg/kg/day). Two patients were infected with M. canis, one patient with Nannizzia gypsea, and another with Trichophyton tonsurans. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of itraconazole oral solution continuous therapy, expanding our understanding by demonstrating its effectiveness for infantile tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans and N. gypsea.

Case Report: Diagnosing Dermatophytoses in Children.

Dermatophytoses of the skin and scalp are common disorders in the pediatric population. The resemblance of the clinical presentation to other dermatoses can make fungal infections challenging to diagnose. We present three cases of dermatophytoses in children. The presence of fungi within skin lesions was confirmed in all cases. The diagnoses were "id" reaction in response to Trichophyton tonsurans infection, Kerion celsi because of Microsporum canis infection, and hair loss during microsporosis. Based on our review and clinical experience, we suggest diagnostic paths and treatments for dermatophytoses in children.

Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis: A case study of three family members in India, a non-endemic region.

INTRODUCTION: Tinea capitis, a common scalp infection primarily affecting children, is caused by keratinophilic dermatophytic fungi, notably Microsporum and Trichophyton species. Microsporum canis, primarily transmitted from cats and dogs to humans, is rarely reported in non-endemic regions like India. We report a cases involving three family members from Delhi, India, diagnosed with tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. The index case, a five-year-old boy, contracted the infection through contact with a cat, while his younger brother and sister acquired it through human-to-human transmission within the family. METHODS: Clinical examination, microscopic analysis, and molecular identification techniques confirmed the diagnosis. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity to itraconazole and terbinafine but resistance to griseofulvin. RESULTS: Treatment with oral terbinafine and topical ketoconazole cream led to successful outcomes for all three patients. Molecular typing confirmed clonality of the isolates, indicating human-to-human transmission. CONCLUSION: This case study underscores the significance of considering atypical sources of infection and human-to-human transmission in the diagnosis and management of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis in non-endemic regions. It emphasizes the necessity of thorough contact history assessment and appropriate antifungal therapy for effective control of the infection.

[Prevention and control of pediatric tinea capitis].

Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp and hair caused by Dermatophytes. It represents the most prevalent superficial fungal infection among preadolescent children worldwide, including in developing countries such as China. The highly contagious nature of tinea capitis can result in outbreaks within communal settings for children. Furthermore, pustular lesions associated with this condition can lead to permanent scarring and hair loss, imposing a significant psychological burden on affected children and their parents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive literature review encompassing the susceptible person, epidemiological characteristics, trends, etiology, modes of transmission, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention strategies of tinea capitis. The ultimate objective is to raise awareness, implement effective prevention and control measures, interrupt the transmission cycle, and ultimately reduce the incidence of tinea capitis in the pediatric population.

Progressão infantil de tinea capitis, kerion celsi e infecção secundária bacteriana cutânea com hemocultura positiva para s. Aureus ­ relato de caso / Infant progression of tinea capitis, kerion celsi and secondary bacterial skin infection with positive blood culture s. Aureus - case report

Introdução: A Tinea Capitis (TC) é uma dermatofitose que tem como evolução grave a forma Kerion Celsi (KC). Clinicamente, é caracterizada por manifestações tonsurantes e inflamatórias; diagnosticada por achados clínicos e laboratoriais, como micológico direto com KOH, tricoscopia e cultura fúngica. É utilizado no tratamento de TC antifúngicos sistêmicos por seis a oito semanas. Nesse caso houve associação de infecção secundária por Staphylococcus aureus, caracterizando um quadro atípico, raro. Objetivo: Relatar o caso, pouco descrito na literatura, de criança com Tinea Capitis (TC) com Kerion Celsi (KC) e bacteremia por contaminação secundária local e sistêmica de Staphylococcus aureus. Relato do caso: Paciente feminino, 5 anos, com manchas hiperemiadas, descamativas e pruriginosas de crescimento centrífugo em face, com surgimento de lesões circulares e pelos tonsurados em couro cabeludo que, após uso de antifúngico oral, houve inflamação aguda e saída de secreção. Apesar do tratamento independente domiciliar, com Betametasona e Cetoconazol creme e Cetoconazol 2% xampu, houve involução da lesão de face e ampliação da área de alopecia. Com a procura médica, iniciou tratamento sistêmico com Griseofulvina, seguido de antibioticoterapia oral por quadro bacteriano secundário em couro cabeludo. Houve linfonodomegalia cervical e intensificação do prurido e secreção. Foi internada para análise clínica e laboratorial, com antibioticoterapia endovenosa de amplo espectro: Ceftriaxona e Clindamicina. Colhida cultura da lesão e hemocultura, definiu-se, em ambas, S. aureus. Devido à resistência bacteriana, ocorreu troca para Cefazolina endovenosa. Na alta, a paciente seguiu com apoio dermatológico semanal e Griseofulvina, havendo a troca do antifúngico por Terbinafina. Conclusão: Quadro atípico e raro com progressão para bacteremia. O alerta para o diagnóstico precoce possibilita tratamento oral adequado e menor impacto da doença na qualidade de vida, evitando-se a contaminação secundária bacteriana

Introduction: Tinea Capitis (TC) is a dermatophytosis that has as severe evolution the form Kerion Celsi (KC). Clinically, it is characterized by tonsuring and inflammatory manifestations; diagnosed by clinical and laboratory findings, such as direct mycological with KOH, trichoscopy and fungal culture. It is used in the treatment of systemic antifungal CT for six to eight weeks. In this case there was an association of secondary infection by Staphylococcus aureus, characterizing an atypical, rare condition. Objective: To report the case, little described in the literature, of a child with Tinea Capitis (TC) with Kerion Celsi (KC) and bacteremia due to local and systemic secondary contamination of Staphylococcus aureus. Case report: Female patient, 5 years old, with hyperaemic, scaling and pruritic spots of centrifugal growth on the face, with the appearance of circular lesions and tonsure on the scalp that, after use of oral antifungal, there was acute inflammation and discharge of secretion. Despite the independent home treatment, with Betamethasone and Ketoconazole cream and Ketoconazole 2% shampoo, there was involution of the face injury and enlargement of the area of alopecia. With medical demand, he started systemic treatment with Griseofulvin, followed by oral antibiotic therapy for secondary bacterial condition in the scalp. There was cervical lymph node enlargement and intensification of pruritus and secretion. She was hospitalized for clinical and laboratory analysis, with broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy: Ceftriaxone and Clindamycin. Culture of the lesion and blood culture, was defined in both S. aureus. Due to bacterial resistance, there was exchange for intravenous Cefazolin. At discharge, the patient followed with weekly dermatological support and Griseofulvin, with the exchange of antifungal by Terbinafine. Conclusion: Atypical and rare condition with progression to bacteremia. Early diagnosis provides adequate oral treatment and less impact of the disease on quality of life, avoiding secondary bacterial contamination

Introducción: La Tinea Capitis (TC) es una dermatofitosis cuya evolución severa es la forma Kerion Celsi (KC). Clínicamente se caracteriza por manifestaciones amigdalizantes e inflamatorias; se diagnostica por hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio, como micología directa con KOH, tricoscopia y cultivo fúngico. Se utiliza en el tratamiento de la TC antifúngica sistémica durante seis a ocho semanas. En este caso se asoció infección secundaria por Staphylococcus aureus, caracterizando una condición atípica y rara. Objetivo: Reportar el caso, poco descrito en la literatura, de un niño con Tinea Capitis (TC) con Kerion Celsi (KC) y bacteriemia por contaminación secundaria local y sistémica de Staphylococcus aureus. Caso clínico: Paciente femenino, de 5 años de edad, con placas hiperémicas, descamativas y pruriginosas de crecimiento centrífugo en la cara, con aparición de lesiones circulares y pelo tonsurado en el cuero cabelludo que, luego de utilizar un antifúngico oral, presentó inflamación aguda y salida de secreciones. A pesar del tratamiento independiente domiciliario, con crema de Betametasona y Ketoconazol y shampoo de Ketoconazol al 2%, se presentó involución de la lesión facial y agrandamiento del área de alopecia. Con la búsqueda médica se inició tratamiento sistémico con Griseofulvina, seguido de antibioticoterapia oral por una afección bacteriana secundaria en el cuero cabelludo. Había agrandamiento de los ganglios linfáticos cervicales y aumento del prurito y la secreción. Ingresa para análisis clínicos y de laboratorio, con antibioticoterapia endovenosa de amplio espectro: Ceftriaxona y Clindamicina. Tras la recogida de cultivo de la lesión y hemocultivo, se definió S. aureus en ambos. Debido a la resistencia bacteriana, hubo un cambio a cefazolina intravenosa. Al alta, la paciente continuó con soporte dermatológico semanal y Griseofulvina, reemplazándose el antifúngico por Terbinafina. Conclusión: Condición atípica y rara con progresión a bacteriemia. La alerta para el diagnóstico precoz permite un adecuado tratamiento oral y menor impacto de la enfermedad en la calidad de vida, evitando contaminaciones bacterianas secundarias

Tiña Capitis en niños / Tinea capitis in children

La tiña capitis (TC) es una infección por dermatofitos con una alta prevalencia en la población pediátrica. Su epidemiología ha cambiado en las últimas décadas debido a la creciente migración poblacional alrededor del mundo. Se han identificado factores de riesgo ambientales y propios del huésped, relacionados al desarrollo de esta infección. Las manifestaciones clínicas son variables y dependen del agente causal. La dermatoscopia y la luz de Wood son herramientas útiles para la aproximación diagnóstica, sin embargo, la confirmación de la infección se basa en las pruebas micológicas. El aislamiento del agente causal permite orientar el tratamiento antifúngico adecuado, siendo estos eficaces y seguros en población pediátrica. El tratamiento se centra en la terapia antimicótica sistémica en combinación con medidas locales. El objetivo del manuscrito es hacer una revisión actualizada sobre el enfoque clínico y terapéutico de la TC en población pediátrica.

Tinea capitis (TC) is a dermatophyte infection with a high prevalence in the pediatric population. Its epidemiology has changed in recent decades due to increasing population migration worldwide. Environmental and host-specific risk factors have been identified which are with the development of this infection. The clinical manifestations are variable and depend on the causal agent. Dermatosco- py and Wood's lamp are useful tools for the diagnostic approach; however, the confirmation of in fection is based on mycological tests. The identification of the causal agent allows guiding the appro priate antifungal treatment, which is specific and safe in the pediatric population. Treatment focuses on systemic antifungal therapy combined with local measures. The objective of this paper is to carry out an updated review of the clinical and therapeutic approach to TC in the pediatric population.

Dr. Julio V. Uriburu. Su destacada participación en la micología nacional / Dr. Julio V. Uriburu. His outstanding participation in the national mycology

Destacado dermatólogo, el doctor Julio V. Uriburu propició el estudio de las afecciones micóticas en nuestro medio. Realizamos una breve actualización del diagnóstico y tratamiento de tiñas de cuero cabelludo.

Dr. Julio V. Uriburu was a very important specialist in skin disorders. He worked in the investigation of micotics infections of hair and scalp disorders. We did a review of diagnostic and treatment of tinea capitis.

Aspergillus niger – a possible new etiopathogenic agent in Tinea capitis? Presentation of two cases

Abstract Tinea capitis is generally considered as the most frequent fungal infection in childhood, as it accounts for approximately 92% of all mycosis in children. The epidemiology of this disease varies widely ranging from antropophillic, zoophilic, and geophillic dermatophytes, as the main causative agent in different geographic areas, depending on several additional factors. Nowadays, the etiology is considered to vary with age, as well with gender, and general health condition. The former reported extraordinary Tinea capitis case reports have been replaced by original articles and researches dealing with progressively changing patterns in etiology and clinical manifestation of the disease. This fact is indicative that under the umbrella of the well-known disease there are facts still hidden for future revelations. Herein, we present two rare cases of Tinea capitis in children, which totally differ from the recently established pattern, in their clinical presentation, as well as in the etiological aspect, as we discuss this potential new etiological pattern of the disease, focusing on our retrospective and clinical observation. Collected data suggest that pathogenic molds should be considered as a potential source of infection in some geographic regions, which require total rationalization of the former therapeutic conception, regarding the molds’ higher antimitotic resistance compared to dermatophytes. Molds-induced Tinea capitis should be also considered in clinically resistant and atypical cases, with further investigations of the antifungal susceptibility of the newest pathogens in the frame of the old disease. Further investigations are still needed to confirm or reject this proposal.

Micoses superficiais na infância / Superficial mycoses in childhood

Os autores descrevem as principais micoses superficiais na infância. Seus fatores predisponentes, agentes etiológicos, mecanismos de transmissão e o tratamento são discutidos.

Outbreak of tinea capitis by Trichophyton tonsurans and Microsporum canis in Niterói, RJ, Brazil

18 girls from an orphanage (Orfanato Santo Antônio) in Niterói presented tinea capitis due to Trichophyton tonsurans (15 cases-83.3% ) and Microsporum canis (3 cases-26.7% ). Comments are made about clinical, mycological and therapeutic aspects of this microepidemic