tinea corporis – Page 2

Wildlife Dermatophytoses in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche Regions): A Fifteen-Year Investigation (2010–2024)

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Researchers in central Italy studied fungal skin infections in wild animals over 15 years to understand disease patterns and public health risks. They found that about 11% of wild animals tested positive for dermatophytes (skin fungi), with some species dangerous to humans. The most common fungi found were Paraphyton mirabile and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which can spread to people through contact with infected animals. The study highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife health and using protective equipment when handling wild animals.

First reported Canadian case of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII infection among men who have sex with men (MSM)

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A Canadian man contracted a rare fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII during a trip to Mexico, likely through sexual contact. The infection presented as deep, painful lesions in the genital area that didn’t respond to typical treatments and required 10 weeks of oral and topical antifungal medication to cure. This is the first confirmed case in Canada and highlights the importance of doctors being aware of sexually transmitted fungal infections, especially in patients with unusual rashes that don’t improve with standard treatments.

Genome characterization of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII strain PG12DES from Italy

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Researchers in Italy analyzed the genetic makeup of a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes that causes skin infections and appears to spread between people through sexual contact. The fungal strain studied was susceptible to all tested antifungal medications and shared similarities with a strain previously found in Moldova. This study helps doctors understand how this emerging fungal infection spreads globally and whether it’s developing resistance to treatments.

The Impact of the Fungal Priority Pathogens List on Medical Mycology: A Northern European Perspective

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Fungal infections affect over a billion people worldwide but are often overlooked in healthcare. The World Health Organization recently created a priority list of dangerous fungi to help doctors and researchers focus their efforts. This review discusses how this list can improve diagnosis, testing, and treatment of fungal infections across Europe, while also highlighting the need for better training and awareness among healthcare workers.

Emergence of resistant dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton indotineae: First case series in Thailand

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Researchers in Thailand identified five patients with a new type of fungal skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a species that resists the common antifungal drug terbinafine. These infections appeared as rashes on various parts of the body and required treatment with alternative medications like itraconazole. The findings represent the first confirmed cases in Thailand and suggest this resistant fungus may be spreading globally. The study also showed that a simple urease test could help doctors identify this resistant strain quickly without waiting for complex genetic testing.

Superficial Fungal Infections in Children—What Do We Know?

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Superficial fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot are common in children and are caused by fungi, yeasts, or molds that spread through contact with infected people, animals, or contaminated surfaces. These infections primarily affect the scalp, skin, and nails, with scalp infections being most common in young children. Treatment typically uses topical creams for mild cases or oral medications for more severe infections, particularly those affecting nails or the scalp. Proper hygiene, avoiding contaminated areas, and limiting contact with infected individuals or animals are key to prevention.

PCR enables rapid detection of dermatophytes in practice

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This study shows that a new rapid DNA-based test (PCR) is much faster and more effective than traditional methods for diagnosing fungal skin, hair, and nail infections. While traditional culture methods took about 19 days to get results, the new PCR test gives results in just 16 hours. The PCR test detected more infections and is now the preferred diagnostic method in Northern Finland, helping doctors treat patients more quickly and avoid unnecessary antifungal medications.

Spread of Antifungal-Resistant Trichophyton indotineae, United Kingdom, 2017–2024

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A dangerous fungal infection called Trichophyton indotineae is rapidly spreading across the United Kingdom, particularly among people with connections to South Asia. This infection causes stubborn skin rashes that don’t respond well to common antifungal treatments like terbinafine. The number of cases has skyrocketed, making up 38% of all dermatophyte infections by 2024, and doctors need to be aware of this emerging threat.

Clinico-mycological study of superficial mycoses and correlation with anti-fungal susceptibility among the Candida isolates in a teaching institution of Western India

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This study examined fungal skin infections in 330 patients in Western India, identifying which fungi cause these infections and which antifungal drugs work best. Researchers found that Candida yeasts were especially common in nail infections while Trichophyton fungi were more common in skin infections. The antifungal drug caspofungin was most effective against Candida, while the commonly used drug fluconazole showed increasing resistance.

Recalcitrant dermatophytosis due to Trichophyton indotineae: A case series from Sarawak, Malaysia

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Three patients in Malaysia had persistent skin fungal infections caused by Trichophyton indotineae that did not respond to standard antifungal treatments. Genetic testing revealed these fungal strains carried a specific mutation making them resistant to terbinafine, the typical first-line treatment. While azole-based antifungals showed variable effectiveness depending on the specific drug and dose used, one patient achieved complete cure with voriconazole therapy. The study highlights the growing problem of drug-resistant fungal infections and the importance of targeted treatment based on laboratory testing.

Disease: tinea corporis