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Tinea genitalis profunda caused by Microsporum canis: A case report and literature review

Summary

A 23-year-old woman developed a severe fungal infection in the genital area caused by a fungus normally found on dogs. Her initial antibiotic treatment failed because the infection was actually fungal, not bacterial. After diagnosis through fungal culture, she was successfully treated with antifungal medications, though the infection left some scarring and discoloration. This case highlights how genital fungal infections can be difficult to diagnose because they look similar to bacterial infections.

Background

Tinea profunda is a deep dermatophyte infection extending into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, encompassing kerion and Majocchi granuloma. Deep dermatophytosis in the genital region is rare and often misdiagnosed due to inflammatory presentation mimicking bacterial or other dermatoses.

Objective

This case report describes a rare presentation of tinea profunda caused by Microsporum canis in a young immunocompetent female, emphasizing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The report aims to highlight the importance of considering deep dermatophytosis in differential diagnosis of genital inflammatory and suppurative lesions.

Results

Fungal culture identified Microsporum canis as the causative agent. Initial antibiotic therapy failed, but systemic antifungal treatment with terbinafine followed by itraconazole led to clinical improvement. Lesions healed with residual post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and localized scarring alopecia.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a rare and severe form of tinea profunda in the pubogenital region due to Microsporum canis with overlapping features of kerion and Majocchi granuloma. Early mycological investigation and appropriate antifungal therapy are essential to prevent misdiagnosis and long-term sequelae.
  • Published in:Medical Mycology Case Reports,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 41079971, DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2025.100738
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