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PubMed1989

Evaluation of the adult carrier state in juvenile tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans.

The anthropophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton tonsurans is an occasional cause of scalp ringworm in adults. An asymptomatic adult carrier state also has been described. In this study the parents and/or grandparents of 50 children with proved T. tonsurans tinea capitis were evaluated. Cultures were obtained from the scalps of 46 asymptomatic adults; 14 of the cultures grew T. tonsurans. This population may provide a source for continued reinfection in children.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Medicinal use and social status of the soap berry endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) in Ethiopia.

Berries from Phytolacca dodecandra L'Herit. (endod in Amharic) offer a readily available molluscicide to control schistosomiasis. Parts of the endod plant have been used as a detergent and as traditional medicine for centuries in Ethiopia. An interview survey was performed in the highlands of Ethiopia to provide information on the distribution of the plant, people's traditional use of it, their perception of the plant, and the potential for increased production and use of endod as a soap for indirect control of schistosomiasis. People of all ages report that they are familiar with the plant and its detergent and medicinal uses. The plant is largely disappearing from unprotected areas due to land clearing. Younger people appear to use endod as a soap whenever it is available. Older women prefer commercial soap and consider endod to be associated with poor people. Common medicinal uses include treatment of skin itching (ringworm), abortion, gonorrhea, leeches, intestinal worms, anthrax and rabies. Two thirds of the people express interest in cultivating endod for personal use if supplied with rooted cuttings. Increased cultivation of endod and use of berries for washing might be possible if information about schistosomiasis and its control is disseminated among people. Preference for commercial soap and lack of land for cultivation are major obstacles for increasing the availability and use of endod.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Infectious diseases of New-World camelids (NWC).

Although there are notable infectious conditions that are capable of producing clinical disease in the NWC, overall, these species are quite healthy. Of the bacterial diseases, enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens types C and D would be deemed the most significant in North America, while type A also would be regarded as important in South America. Other important bacterial infections of potential concern are tuberculosis, Johne's disease, anthrax, malignant edema, actinomycosis, tetanus, and the South American condition referred to as alpaca fever, which, to date, has not been observed in North America. Fungal infections include classical ringworm, principally caused by Trichophyton spp., and the cases of coccidioidomycosis that are associated with the arid desert lands of the southwestern United States. Most notable of naturally occurring viral infections in the NWC would be rabies, ecthyma, and a recently described blindness neuropathy that has been associated with the equine herpesvirus I. NWC can be infected experimentally with agents causing hoof-and-mouth disease and vesicular stomatitis, but naturally occurring cases do not seem to occur. Serological evidence of exposure to many viral agents, including blue tongue, parainfluenza 3, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine herpesvirus I, bovine viral diarrhea, influenza A, and rotavirus, has been demonstrated; however, no clinical disease associated with these agents, as yet, is apparent.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Fungal diseases of laboratory rodents.

Although fungal disease is uncommon in rodents, dermatophytosis is the most common mycosis seen in clinical practice. T. mentagrophytes is the most common etiologic agent, and the guinea pig is the most common species affected, although there are reports in all pet and laboratory rodent species except the gerbil. Despite the low incidence of clinical disease, rodents are common asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, and ringworm is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted from rodents to people.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Environmental detection of Microsporum canis arthrospores in the households of infected cats and dogs.

Microsporum canis is the dermatophyte most frequently recovered from canine and feline ringworm cases. The household environment can be contaminated both by symptomatic animals and through asymptomatic M canis carriage, resulting in a potential human health risk. The load of M canis arthrospores was determined in households harbouring infected pets, in order to evaluate the infectivity of the animals versus the environment. The environments inhabited by 30 symptomatic animals (21 cats and 9 dogs) infected by M canis were examined by sampling both surfaces and indoor air. The surfaces were examined by means of contact plates; the air sampling was performed with a Sas super-100 AIR SAMPLER (PBI, Italy). Environmental contamination was detected in all households with cats, while only four out of nine houses harbouring dogs were found positive. The frequence of isolation in each sampling, and the results in terms of colony forming units per plate in the different houses appeared to be quite homogeneous. Heavily infected environments harboured kittens only. Infected owners were observed in eight households, in all of which at least one infected cat was present. No history of human dermatophytosis in households harbouring dogs was found. On the basis of our results, infected cats appear to cause substantial environmental contamination, and provoke a substantial presence of viable airborne fungal elements. Dogs seem to be of lower importance in the spread of M CANIS: they contaminated surfaces, but they never contaminated the air. The results of this study confirm the potential leading role of the feline species in the environmental spread of M canis.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Cytotoxic action of juglone and plumbagin: a mechanistic study using HaCaT keratinocytes.

Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) and plumbagin (5-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) are yellow pigments found in black walnut (Juglans regia). Herbal preparations derived from black walnut have been used as hair dyes and skin colorants in addition to being applied topically for the treatment of acne, inflammatory diseases, ringworm, and fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. We have studied the cytotoxicity of these quinones to HaCaT keratinocytes. Exposure to juglone or plumbagin (1-20 microM) resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability. The cytotoxicity of these quinones is due to two different mechanisms, namely, redox cycling and reaction with glutathione (GSH). Redox cycling results in the generation of the corresponding semiquinone radicals, which were detected by electron paramagnetic resonance. Incubation of keratinocytes with the quinones generated hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and resulted in the oxidation of GSH to GSSG. Depletion of GSH by buthionine sulfoximine enhanced semiquinone radical production, increased H(2)O(2) generation, and produced greater cytotoxicity, suggesting that GSH plays an important protective role. Both quinones decreased the intracellular levels of GSH. However, plumbagin stoichiometrically converted GSH to GSSG, indicating that redox cycling is its main metabolic pathway. In contrast, much of the GSH lost during juglone exposure, especially at the higher concentrations (10 and 20 microM), did not appear as GSSG, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of this quinone may also involve nucleophilic addition to GSH. Our findings indicate that topical preparations containing juglone and plumbagin should be used with care as their use may damage the skin. However, it is probable that the antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of these quinones are the result of redox cycling.

Benzoquinones↗

PubMed2002

Dermatophytes isolated from symptomatic dogs and cats in Tuscany, Italy during a 15-year-period.

Between January, 1, 1986 and December, 31, 2000, dermatological specimens from 10.678 animals (7.650 cats and 3.028 dogs) were examined for dermatophytes. All the animals presented clinical signs of ringworm. Two thousand-four hundred fifty-six of the 10.678 (23%) examined animals scored positive for dermatophytes, 566 out of 3.028 canine (18.7%) and 1890 out of 7.650 feline specimens (24.7%). Microsporum canis constituted 83% and 97% of the isolated dermatophytes respectively in dogs and cats, M. gypseum represented 13% and 2.6% and T. mentagrophytes 5.5% and 0.2%. A sexual predisposition for mycotic infections was not observed. The animals with less than 1 year of age were more frequently infected. Canine toy breeds showed a significantly higher (P < 0.001) prevalence of infections by M. canis. Microsporum gypseum was mostly recorded from sporting (hunting) breeds [such as T. mentagrophytes (6.7%)]. Microsporum canis was isolated from long-haired cats with a ratio of 2:1 versus short-haired cats, while M. gypseum and T. mentagrophytes were never recovered from Persian cats. The annual distribution of the infections in dogs showed a significantly higher incidence for M. gypseum in summer versus winter and spring, while the recovery rate of M. canis from cats was very significantly higher in fall and winter than in summer and spring. Trichophyton mentagrophytes did not show a similar seasonal distribution.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Tinea capitis in south-east London--a new pattern of infection with public health implications.

Recent observations on tinea capitis cases in London suggest that there has been a change in the pattern of infection with a recent and significant rise in the incidence of infections due to anthropophilic fungi. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and identity of tinea capitis in schools in south-east London and factors which might affect the spread of infection. This was achieved by carrying out a survey of all children, with parental consent for scalp examination, in 14 nursery, infant or junior schools in Lambeth. In addition, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis was compared with mycological findings. There were 1057 children from 4 to 14 years of age in the study. The infection rate in different schools ranged from 0 to 12% with a mean of 2.5%. A further 4.9% of children were scalp carriers of dermatophytes (range in classes 0-47%). A striking feature was that all infections were caused by anthropophilic fungi, mainly Trichophyton tonsurans or Microsporum rivalieri, and there was a correlation between the presence of two or more carriers within a class and the infection in the other children. There was a poor correlation between ability of trained observers to predict infection on clinical grounds and mycological results. This investigation shows variable but significant levels of scalp ringworm in schools and that the dominant organisms are anthropophilic. It provides support for the observation that there has been a shift in the pattern of tinea capitis in London and, possibly, other U.K. centres, with a trend towards more infections transmissible among children, with T, tonsurans being the commonest organism. The implications for control, which involve screening in schools, where appropriate, and guidance to general practitioners on treatment, are discussed.

Carrier State↗

PubMed1997

Molecular determination of dermatophyte fungi using the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction.

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi capable of causing dermatophytosis (commonly known as tinea or ringworm) in humans and animals. Previously, we reported the differentiation of the common dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans using a random primer 5'-ACCCGACCTG-3' (OPAA11) in the arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR). In the present study, by examining additional dermatophytes including eight Microsporum spp., 16 Trichophyton species/subspecies and Epidermophyton floccosum using both OPAA11 and a second random decamer 5'-GAGAGCCAAC-3' (OPD18) in AP-PCR, we show that except for T. rubrum and T. gourvilli, and three T. mentagrophytes varieties, most of the dermatophyte fungi investigated formed distinct DNA band patterns on gel electrophoresis. The amplification of specific DNA bands in AP-PCR appeared to be independent of culture variations shown by dermatophyte isolates. These results provide the basis for the rapid identification of dermatophytes at the genetic level, supplementing existing laboratory methods and improving the diagnosis of human dermatophytosis.

Arthrodermataceae↗

PubMed1998

Prevalence of undetected tinea capitis in a prospective school survey in Madrid: emergence of new causative fungi.

From October 1994 to December 1996, a prospective study was undertaken in 10,000 unselected school children in Madrid, aged between 2 and 16 years (mean +/- SD 8.5 +/- 3.6 years). Fifty-two (0.52%) (including 13 immigrants from Africa) had dermatophytes in the scalp: 33 (0.33%) (including 10 immigrants from Africa) had tinea capitis and 19 were scalp carriers. Almost half of the symptomatic cases were caused by Trichophyton tonsurans (12 of 33 cases) and Microsporum canis (16 of 33 cases). T. tonsurans (13 of 19 cases) was the predominant species in the scalp carriers. Twenty-four per cent of the subjects with tinea capitis and 42% of the asymptomatic scalp carriers also had ringworm in other body sites. There was a significantly higher occurrence of tinea capitis (P < 0.001) (particularly due to T. tonsurans: P < 0.001) and of asymptomatic scalp carriers (P < 0.05) (particularly due to anthropophilic species: P < 0.01) in the immigrant population from Africa.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Tinea capitis in south-western Ethiopia: a study of risk factors for infection and carriage.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a common dermatophyte infection which constitutes an important public health problem among children worldwide. The endemic nature of scalp ringworm in Africa is perpetuated mainly by the lack of knowledge about the prevalence and carrier status, and the absence of control measures. METHODS: Two hundred and nineteen schoolchildren from urban and rural communities of the Illubabor district, south-western Ethiopia, were examined, and scalp samples were taken. Children were classified according to clinical signs and mycologic findings. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed that 29% of the children had clinical lesions compatible with tinea capitis. Dermatophytes were isolated from 33% of the children's scalp samples; of these, 16% had clinical lesions and 17% were identified as carriers. Trichophyton violaceum was responsible for 97% of infections. CONCLUSIONS: Tinea capitis was the second most prevalent cutaneous finding in these children, with a higher prevalence in the urban community; the predictive value of the clinical diagnosis was low and a high proportion of children were identified as carriers in these communities. No relationship between household overcrowding and scalp infection was found.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Tinea capitis in schoolchildren from lvory Coast (western Africa). A 1998-1999 cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is a worldwide public health problem that poses specific therapeutic challenges. This dermatophytosis of the scalp is endemic in Africa. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, the associated demographic factors, causative species, and clinical types of tinea capitis in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. METHODS: From June 1998 to March 1999, 1913 children aged between 4 and 15 years, and schooling in seven urban primary schools of Abidjan (Ivory Coast), were examined clinically for tinea capitis. Among all children showing symptoms suggestive of scalp ringworm, hair stumps and scales were collected and exposed to direct microscopic examination using 30% potassium hydroxide solution, and cultivation on Sabouraud's dextrose agar with or without actidione. RESULTS: Among 227 symptomatic children, cultures positive for fungi were found in 217, yielding an overall tinea capitis prevalence of 11.34% [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 9.97-12.85]. By univariate analysis, tinea capitis was significantly associated with boys [odds ratio (OR) 7.85; CI 5.22-11.81] and in children belonging to the intermediate 8-11 years age group (OR 1.93; CI 1.29-2.90). Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum langeronii were the most prevalent etiologic agents (63.6% and 31.3%, respectively), whereas a mixture of both T. soudanense and M. langeronii was observed in a 2.8% proportion. Finally, 2.3% of isolated species were represented by T. violaceum. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey provided evidence that tinea capitis is endemic in Ivory Coast, constituting a substantial infectious dermatological disturbance. T. soudanense was the most frequent causative agent, whereas T. violaceum was isolated for the first time in this sub-Saharan western African country.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Mycological examination of the hair samples of 11 school-going Nepalese children suspected of tinea capitis.

Among 150 students from a semi-urban school in Kathmandu (Nepal), 30 from various age groups and both sexes with symptoms suggestive of scalp ringworm, were examined clinically. Hair samples were collected for mycological examination, using the hair brush method, from 11 of the 30 children (36.7%), aged between 5 and 14 years, who were clinically diagnosed. Four of the cultured samples were positive for isolates of Trichophyton violaceum. This minor study provides evidence that tinea capitis might constitute a substantial infectious dermatological problem in Nepal. The study also indicated T. violaceum as the causative organism of tinea capitis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Tinea capitis in Europe: new perspective on an old problem.

A survey of tinea capitis conducted under the auspices of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology showed that laboratories contributing to a voluntary scheme for reporting have recently been seeing a different pattern of scalp ringworm. The survey was conducted among 92 medical mycology laboratories across 19 European countries by postal questionnaire comparing the years 1987 with 1997. The survey shows an overall increase in the numbers of cases caused by anthropophilic infections, which, in 1997, were the dominant causes of scalp infection; the greatest increase was seen in laboratories covering urban populations and in African Caribbean children living in Europe. While the commonest infection remains Microsporum canis, the largest overall increase has been in Trichophyton tonsurans, which in 1997 was the second commonest cause of infection overall and the commonest in urban populations. The pattern of change is not uniform in Europe and while some cities have reported large increases in T. tonsurans others, e.g. in France, have seen more cases of infection due to T. soudanense and M. audouinii. While these figures do not necessarily reflect changes in the underlying prevalence of infection, the trends are important to recognize as the control measures for anthropophilic tinea capitis differ from those used in zoophilic infections. In particular there is a need for an increased level of surveillance and more advice on control given to primary care physicians, dermatologists and school health authorities.

Data Collection↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Tinea incognito due to Microsporum gypseum in three children.

Tinea incognito is a dermatophytosis of atypical clinical character due to the absence of classic features of ringworm. It is caused by prolonged use of topical steroids, sometimes prescribed as a result of incorrect diagnosis. The cases reported in the literature have different clinical presentations and have generally been in adults. We report three children with tinea incognito in whom the lesions were psoriasis-like, eczema-like, and lichenoid, respectively. Diagnosis was confirmed by mycologic examination, which led to the identification of Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic dermatophyte which is an infrequent agent of mycotic infection in humans.

Child↗

PubMed1980

Fungal infections of the scalp in Western Australia.

Between 1963 and 1972, 1,212 fungi were isolated from patients with tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) in Western Australia. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic examination examination and/or culture of hairs, scale or pus. Microsporum canis, a zoophilic fungus, was found to be the most common agent of tinea capitis in Western Australia, causing 1,100 infections and accounting for 90.8% of the total isolates. The highest incidence of M. canis infections occurred in children between the ages of 2 and 8 years. Males accounted for 57.7% of scalp infections, and there were comparatively few cases in either males or females over the age of 10 years. Trichophyton tonsurans was found to be the main cause of endothrix scalp infections in Western Australia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1986

Tinea capitis among children of Ethiopian immigrants.

The incidence, clinical appearance and causative agent of tinea capitis among children of Ethiopian immigrants, was studied. Out of 124 children examined, 36 had scalp lesions and 32 cases were confirmed as scalp-ringworm on direct microscopy. Culture showed the dermatophyte to be Trichophyton violaceum. The clinical presentation, resembling seborrheic dermatitis, without clinically apparent hair invasion, was atypical.

Child↗

PubMed1986

Dermatophytosis of camels.

A survey of ringworm in camels showed over 25% of young animals suffered from T. verrucosum infection, and fewer than 0.5% of the camels had T. mentagrophytes. Amino acid analyses of hair samples taken from human, camel and cow showed the compositions were similar to within 11%.

Amino Acids↗