Prevalence and risk factors associated with canine dermatophytoses among dogs in Kwara and Osun States, Nigeria

Background: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a zoonotic fungal skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton spp. It is highly transmissible and, while normally self-limiting, could be problematic due to its potential to cause disease in certain human populations. The occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatophytoses in dogs presented at three veterinary clinics in Osogbo, and Ilorin, Nigeria between July and November 2019 were investigated in this study. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 325 dogs with lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis, selected by simple random sampling from veterinary clinics of two hospitals, purposively selected for the study due to high patronage of the veterinary hospitals by dog owners. Using conventional mycological sampling techniques, plucked hairs and skin scrapings were obtained the dogs. The samples were emulsified in 10% potassium hydroxide, examined microscopically for fungal elements and cultured using standard mycological procedures. Information on dog demographic characteristics and risk factors for dermatophytosis were collected using structured questionnaire. The association between risk factors and demographic variables with the occurrence of dermatophytoses was determined using Chi-square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Positive cultures for dermatophytes were obtained from samples of 48 (14.8%) dogs with M. canis 37.5% (18/48), M. gypseum 27.0% (13/48) and T. mentagrophytes 8.3% (4/48). Other fungi identified were Aspergillus flavus 12.5% (6/48) and Malassezia canis 12.5% (6/48). The age distribution of positive dogs were < 1 year (50.0%, n=24), 1-3 years (29.2%, n=14) and > 3 years (20.8%, n=10), while the risk factors associated with dermatophytosis included sex of dogs (p=0.0428), history of dermatophytosis (p<0.0001), clinical presentation (p<0.0001) and lesion type, especially kerion and pustular lesions (p=0.0297). Conclusion: These findings established the occurrence of dermatophytosis in dogs kept for companionship (i.e., pets), security and breeding purposes in one northern and southern States of Nigeria. Our findings underscore the need for routine mycological investigations in dogs to facilitate early detection of cases and prompt institution of treatment interventions, thereby preventing zoonotic transmission of dermatophytes to their owners, handlers and veterinarians.

Clinical types and fungal pathogens of children′s tinea capitis analysis of 542 cases in a tertiary first-class hospital of Wuhan / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical types of children's tinea capitis and the distribution of fungal pathogens in Wuhan from 2011 to 2020, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children's tinea capitis. Methods Laboratory data of children with tinea capitis in outpatient and inpatient department of dermatology in Wuhan No.1 Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 were collected. A total of 542 cases of pediatric tinea capitis were included, with 239 male cases and 303 female cases. Microscopic examination of fungi and culture identification were performed on the affected skin lesions of the children. Chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in pathogen spectrum of children with different age groups and clinical type. Results Among the pediatric tinea capitis patients, the age group with the highest prevalence was preschool children（3 to <7 years old), accounting for 48.52%（263/542). The top three pathogenic fungi were Trichophytes violaceum（49.26%, 267/542), Microsporum canis（31.55%, 171/542) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes （9.96%, 54/542). Trichophyton violaceum was the main pathogen in all ages, followed by Microsporum canis. The infection rate of Microsporum canis in children over 7 years old was lower than that in children under 7 years old, and the infection rate of Trichophyton rubrum in infants was higher than that in other ages. The distribution of Trichophytes violaceum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Nannizzia gypseum and Microsporum ferrugineum was uniform in all age groups. Trichophytes violaceum and Trichophyton tousurans mainly caused black-dot ringworm, Microsporum canis mainly caused tinea alba, Trichophyton mentagrophytes,Nannizzia gypseum and Trichophytonrubrum mainly caused kerion. Except for Microsporum ferrugineum, the composition ratios of other fungi species showed statistically significant differences among different clinical types of tinea capitis（P<0.05). Conclusions Preschool children are the most commonly affected age group by pediatric tinea capitis, and black-dot ringworm caused by Trichophytes violaceum is the main clinical type. Analysis of the high-riskage group, pathogenic fungi and clinical types of tinea capitis in children can enhance the understanding of its epidemiological characteristics, which is helpful for early diagnosis and targeted standardized treatment of pediatric tinea capitis.

Características epidemiológicas de las onicomicosis en la consulta dermatológica / Epidemiological characteristics of onychomycosis in dermatological consultation

Introducción: la onicomicosis es la infección del aparato ungueal causada por hongos dermatofitos, no dermatofitos o levaduras. Constituye una enfermedad frecuente en la práctica médica, con impacto considerable en lo emocional, social, laboral y económico. Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas de la onicomicosis en pacientes que consultaron en un servicio dermatológico. Materiales y Métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo de corte transverso, donde se analizaron fichas epidemiológicas de pacientes que acudieron al servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá y el Centro de Especialidades Dermatológicas en el periodo comprendido entre julio del 2016 a agosto del 2019. Resultados: se analizaron 464 pacientes con onicomicosis. El cultivo fue positivo en el 83 % (385/464) de los casos. Se observó preferentemente en mujeres 72 % (276/385), franja etaria entre los 31 y 65 años 70,1 % (270/385), de procedencia urbana 76 % (292/385) y actividad quehaceres domésticos 41 % (157/385). El 23 % (87/385) presentó una o más comorbilidades asociadas a la aparición de onicomicosis, siendo la diabetes en el 70 % (61/385) de éstas. La localización fue en uñas de pies en 58,2 % (259/ 400), uña de manos en 31,2 % (141/400) y en el 10,1 % (45/400) de los casos se observó onicomicosis en ambas localizaciones. Los géneros aislados con mayor frecuencia fueron Trichophyton y Candida, y las especies fueron T. rubrum y Candida parapsilosis. En las onicomicosis de uñas de los pies se aislaron dermatofitos en un 63,7 % (165/259), mientras que en uñas de las manos se aislaron Candida spp. en el 77,3 % (107/141). Conclusión: la onicomicosis produce una afectación que se observa mayoritariamente en pacientes adultos, generalmente mujeres que se dedican a los quehaceres domésticos, procedentes de áreas urbanas, con afectación principal de las uñas de los pies, siendo los agentes causales más frecuentes, T. rubrum y C. parapsilosis.

Introduction: onychomycosis is an infection of nails caused by dermatophyte fungi, not dermatophytes or yeasts. It constitutes a frequent disease in medical practice, with considerable emotional, social, labor and economic impact. Objective: to describe the epidemiological characteristics of onychomycosis in patients who attended in a dermatological service. Materials and Methods: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study, where epidemiological records of patients who attended the Dermatology service of the Itauguá National Hospital and the Dermatological Specialties Center in the period from july 2016 to august 2019 were analyzed. Results: 464 patients with onychomycosis were analyzed. The culture was positive in 83 % (385/464) of the cases. It was mainly observed in women 72 % (276/385), age group was between 31 and 65 years 70.1 % (270/385), of urban areas 76 % (292/385) their activities were house as and household chores activity 41 % (157 / 385). 23 % (87/385) presented one or more comorbidities associated with onychomycosis, with diabetes in 70 % (61/385) of these. The location was in toenails in 58.2 % (259/400), fingernail in 31.2 % (141/400) and in 10.1 % (45/400) of the cases onychomycosis were observed in Both locations. The most frequently isolated genera were Trichophyton and Candida, and the species were T. rubrum and Candida parapsilosis. In the onychomycosis of the toenails, dermatophytes were isolated in 63.7 % (165/259), while in the fingernails, Candida spp. in 77.3 % (107/141). Conclusion: onychomycosis produces an affectation that is mostly adult patients, usually women who are engaged in household activities, from urban areas, the main involvement were toenails, being the most frequent agent isolated were, T. rubrum and C. parapsilosis.

Brote de tiña por Trichophyton tonsurans en una escuela básica de Valparaíso, Chile / Ringworm of Trichophyton tonsurans outbreak in a basic school in Valparaíso, Chile

Resumen Introducción: Las tiñas son infecciones que afectan la piel y anexos. Trichophyton tonsurans es un hongo antropofílico emergente que puede provocar brotes. Objetivo: Describir un brote de tiña por T. tonsurans en una escuela de Valparaíso. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo realizado entre junio-agosto de 2018. Se consideró caso a todo alumno de la escuela y a familiares directos en contacto con ellos, con diagnóstico clínico de tiña. El estudio micológico de las muestras tomadas se realizó a través de pruebas morfo-fisiológicas. Los datos se expresaron en números y porcentajes. Resultados: Hubo 18 casos, 16 niños (15 del kindergarten) y dos adultos. Tasa de ataque en kindergarten fue de 68%. Nueve casos fueron varones con promedio de edad de 6 años. Catorce de nacionalidad chilena y una haitiana. El caso índice fue un niño chileno y el primario el niño haitiano. La localización más frecuente fue en el rostro. Diez casos tuvieron cultivo con desarrollo de T. tonsurans. La mayoría requirió tratamiento con terbinafina por fracaso terapéutico con clotrimazol. Conclusiones: El brote por T. tonsurans ocurrió principalmente en varones del kindergarten. La principal localización fue en el rostro. La mayoría de los casos requirió terbinafina como tratamiento por fracaso terapéutico con clotrimazol.

Background: Ringworm are skin and its annexes infections. Trichophyton tonsurans is an emergent anthropophilic fungus that might cause outbreaks. Aim: To describe a ringworm outbreak by T tonsurans in an elementary school in Valparaíso, Chile. Methods: A descriptive study was run between June and August, 2018. Students and his closest relatives in contact with them who were clinically diagnosed with ringworm have been considered a case. Mycological studies of samples had been carried out through morphophysiology tests. Data are shown in numbers and percentages. Results: There were 18 cases, 16 kids (15 from kindergarten) and 2 adults. Attack rate was 68% in kindergarten. Nine cases were boys with average age of 6 years old. For 14 cases their nationality was Chilean and in 1 case Haitian. First case was a Chilean boy, and primary case was a Haitian boy. The most frequent location was face. Ten cases yielded positive cultures for T tonsurans. Most of the patients needed terbinafine treatment after a therapeutic failure performed with clotrimazole. Conclusion: T. tonsurans outbreak ocurred mainly in kindergarten male. The most frequent location was face. Most of the patients needed terbinafine treatment after a therapeutic failure with clotrimazole.

Surto de esporotricose felina na região metropolitana do Recife / Outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in the metropolitan area of Recife

A esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea, causada por um fungo dimórfico do complexo Sporothrix schenckii que acomete várias espécies, especialmente a felina, causando comprometimento local, disseminado ou sistêmico. Objetivou-se relatar a ocorrência de um surto de esporotricose felina na Região Metropolitana do Recife. Foram coletados suabes de úlceras cutâneas de felinos atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco e em Clínicas Veterinárias particulares. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio de exame citológico e cultura fúngica. Dos 115 casos suspeitos, 59 casos foram confirmados, número nunca registrado anteriormente no estado de Pernambuco. Os casos de esporotricose felina registrados têm demonstrado aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos semelhantes aos ocorridos em outras regiões do país, caracterizando-se como uma doença predominantemente de machos jovens em idade reprodutiva e semi-domiciliados, de difícil tratamento e de rápida disseminação.(AU)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by a dimorphic fungus from Sporothrix schenckii complex, which affects various species, especially feline, able to cause local, disseminated or systemic impairment. We aimed to report the occurrence of an outbreak of feline sporotrichosis in the Metropolitan Region of Recife. Swabs of skin ulcers in cats treated in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco and in particular veterinary establishments were collected. Diagnosis was made by cytological examination and fungal culture. From 115 suspicious cases, 59 cases were confirmed, unprecedented results in the state of Pernambuco. These registered cases of feline sporotrichosis have demonstrated clinical and epidemiological characteristics similar to those occurring in other regions of the country, characterized as a quick-spreading disease, of difficult treatment, which affects predominantly semi-domiciled young males in reproductive age.(AU)

Natural infection by Microsporum canis in a capuchin monkey / Infeção natural por Microsporum canis em macaco capuchinho

ABSTRACT: This paper described a case of a capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) with non-pruritic skin lesions. During the physical examination, multifocal areas of alopecia with crusts, erythema and scaling compatible with dermatophytosis were reported on the right fore and hind limbs and on tail. Fungal culture findings revealed a diagnosis of dermatophytosis due to Microsporum canis. The animal was successfully treated with itraconazole. This is the first report of a dermatophytosis case in S. libidinosus and the first description of an effective treatment in this species.

RESUMO: O presente trabalho relata o caso de um macaco capuchinho (Sapajus libidinosus) com lesões de pele não-pruriginosas. Durante o exame físico foram encontradas lesões multifocais com crostas, eritema e descamação compatíveis com dermatofitose, nos membros anterior e posterior direitos, bem como na cauda. O animal não tinha outras alterações. O diagnóstico de dermatofitose por Microsporum canis foi realizado através de cultura fúngica das lesões. O animal foi tratado com sucesso com itraconazol. Este é o primeiro relato de um caso de dermatofitose em S. libidinosus e a primeira descrição de um tratamento eficaz para esta espécie.

Micosis superficiales: casuística del Departamento de Micología del Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas,Venezuela (2001-2014) / Superficial mycoses: casuistry of the Mycology Department of the Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel”, Caracas, Venezuela (2001-2014)

Las micosis superficiales son muy comunes y por ello son motivo de consulta médica frecuente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la frecuencia de diagnóstico de las micosis superficiales en el Departamento de Micología del Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel” en Caracas, Venezuela, durante 14 años (2001-2014). Se realizó un estudio transversal y retrospectivo de revisión de historias micológicas de pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo de micosis superficial. Las muestras procesadas fueron uñas, pelos y escamas epidérmicas. La identificación de los hongos se realizó mediante observación macro y microscópica de las colonias y pruebas de identificación bioquímicas y fisiológicas, según requerimiento del agente aislado. Para la investigación de Malassezia spp. solo se realizó examen directo. De las 3228 muestras procesadas, 1098 (34%) resultaron positivas y su distribución según el agente etiológico fue: 79,5% dermatofitos; 10,9% levaduras; 5,1% hongos no dermatofitos y 4,5% Malassezia spp. El dermatofito más aislado fue el Complejo Trichophyton rubrum (70,1%), seguido del Complejo T. mentagrophytes (15,1%), Microsporum canis (9,4%) y Epidermophyton floccosum (4%). Las tiñas más frecuentes fueron: Tinea unguium (66,8%), seguida de Tinea pedis (16,4%) y Tinea capitis (8,1%). En el grupo de levaduras el Complejo Candida parapsilosis (37,5%) fue el más aislado y entre los hongos no dermatofitos el más frecuente fue Fusarium spp. (53,6%), seguido de Aspergillus spp. (19,6%) y Acremonium spp. (10,7%). La identificación del agente etiológico es fundamental para orientar un tratamiento adecuado. Esta casuística constituye un aporte importante para el conocimiento de la epidemiología de las micosis superficiales en nuestro país.

The superficial mycoses are very common infectious diseases and therefore are a frequent reason for medical consultation. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic frequency of superficial mycoses in the Mycology Department of the Instituto Nacional de Higiene “Rafael Rangel” during 14 years (2001-2014). A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to review the mycological records of patients with presumptive diagnosis of superficial mycosis. Nails, hairs and epidermal scales were the processed samples. The identification of fungi was performed by macro and microscopic observation of colonies and biochemical and physiological tests, as required of the isolated agent. For the investigation of Malassezia spp. only direct examination was performed. Of the 3 228 samples processed, 1 098 (34%) were positive and their distribution according to the etiological agent was: dermatophytes 79.5%; 10.9% yeasts; non-dermatophytes fungi 5.1% and 4.5% Malassezia spp. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton rubrum Complex (70.1%), followed by T. mentagrophytes complex (15.1%), Microsporum canis (9.4%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (4%). The most frequent ringworms were: Tinea unguium (66.8%), followed by Tinea pedis (16.4%) and Tinea capitis (8.1%). Candida parapsilosis complex (37.5%) was the most frequently isolated yeast and Fusarium spp. (53.6%) was the most isolated among non-dermatophyte fungi, followed by Aspergillus spp. (19.6%) and Acremonium spp. (10.7%). The identification of the etiological agent is essential to guide appropriate treatment. This study constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of the epidemiology of superficial mycoses in our country.

Presentación de siete casos de tiña negra en niños / Reports of seven cases of tinea nigra in children

Introducción: la tiña negra es una micosis superficial causada por el hongo Hortaea werneckii. Se considera una micosis benigna que por lo general es observada en países tropicales. Objetivo: reportar siete casos de tiña negra en niños de dos hospitales de La Habana, Cuba. Métodos: se realizó estudio micológico (examen directo y cultivo) a partir de escamas tomadas mediante raspado de las lesiones a siete niños con diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de tiña negra palmar. Se registraron las características de las lesiones, edad, sexo y factores predisponentes de los pacientes, así como la evolución del cuadro con el tratamiento antifúngico. Resultados: se confirmó la sospecha clínica de tiña negra a través del aislamiento e identificación de Hortae werneckii. Las edades de los pacientes oscilaron entre 3 y 6 años y el 57 por ciento era del sexo femenino. La hiperhidrosis se encontró en el 43 por ciento de los casos. El tratamiento específico con antifúngicos azólicos y terbinafina tópicos fue satisfactorio en 21 días como promedio. Conclusiones: todos los casos con sospecha de tiña negra fueron confirmados de manera oportuna en el laboratorio, lo que permitió descartar enfermedades malignas y aplicar tratamiento específico(AU)

Efficacy and safety of 1% terbinafine hydrochloride versus 2% sertaconazole cream in the treatment of tinea corporis.

Background: Tinea corporis is a common superficial dermatophytosis seen in tropical countries. This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of topical antifungal agents, terbinafine versus sertaconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis. Methods: This study was conducted in Babuji Hospital and Chigateri Government Hospital, Davangere. A total of 60 (n=60) patients were included and divided into two groups of 30 patients each in the study. 1st group - received topical 1% terbinafine hydrochloride and 2nd group - received 2% sertaconazole cream. Patients were advised to apply cream twice daily for 4 weeks. Improvement in clinical parameters like erythema, scaling, itching, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount were taken for assessing the efficacy of drugs. They were followed-up at the end of 2, 4, and 6 weeks to assess the improvement of the condition. Complete cure rate was defined as mycological cure with a complete absence of clinical signs and symptoms. For safety data of both drugs presence of any local side effects (like stinging sensation, swelling and increased erythema) were analyzed in both groups. Statistical analysis was done using students paired t-test and unpaired t-test. Results: When two groups were compared at the end of 2 weeks, complete cure rate for terbinafine was 80% as compared to 63.3% for sertaconazole (p<0.003). However, at the end of 4 weeks, sertaconazole was as effective as terbinafine and statistically non-significant (p>0.05) results were obtained. KOH mount was negative in both groups at the end of 2nd week. Local side effects like erythema, swelling, stinging sensation were not noticed during the study in both the groups. Conclusion: From this study, it was shown that 2% sertaconazole cream was as effective as 1% terbinafine cream, though 1% terbinafine had higher rates of complete cure at the end of 2 weeks as compared to sertaconazole.

Tinea Imbricata: Case series on three patients in Sarangani, Philippines

The imbricata or Tokelau ringworm is an unusual superficial dermatophytosis caused by the anthropophilic Trichophyton concentricum. Three cases of the Tinea imbricata observed at the Municipal Health Office of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, Philippines are reported in this study. All three patients were from an indigenous ethnic group of Sarangani Province and lived in isolated upland communities. Patient 1 was a 30 year old male, Patient 2 was a 40 year old female, and Patient 3 was a 19 year old female. Lesions lasted - 27 years, - 25 years, and 2 years, respectively. All patients presented with characteristic expensive polycyclic to serpiginous scaling lesions, with areas of sparing. Microscopic examination of skin scrapings prepared with potassium hydroxide revealed the characteristic broad, branched, septate, irregular hyphae. Trichopyton concentricum, the causative agent, was isolated in one of the patients using Mycobiotoc agar. Histopathologic examination on 2 of the patients revealed acute and chronic inflammation, and Periodic Acid Schiff- positive fungal hyphae. All patients were started on Griseofulvin 500mg tab once daily. The case series presented here is the first account of Tinea imbricata in the Philippines since the 1990s.

Tinea capitis among children at one suburban primary school in the City of Maputo, Mozambique

This study evaluated the prevalence of Tinea capitis among schoolchildren at one primary school and also identified the causative agents. Scalp flakes were collected from children presenting clinical signs suggestive of Tinea capitis. Dermatophytes were identified by following standard mycological procedures. This study found a clinical prevalence of Tinea capitis of 9.6 percent (110/1149). The dermatophytes isolated were Microsporum audouinii, Trichophyton violaceum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The most prevalent causative agent in this study was Microsporum audouinii, thus confirming the findings from previous cross-sectional studies carried out in the city of Maputo.

O estudo avaliou a prevalência da Tinea capitis na população estudantil duma Escola Primária e também identificou os agentes causais responsáveis. Escamas do couro cabeludo foram recolhidas das crianças apresentando sinais clínicos sugestivos de Tinea capitis. Dermatófitos foram identificados seguindo procedimentos micológicos padronizados. Este estudo encontrou uma prevalência clínica de Tinea capitis de 9,6 por cento (110/1149). Os dermatófitos isolados foram Microsporum audouinii, Trichophyton violaceum e Trichophyton mentagrophytes. O agente causal mais prevalente neste estudo foi Microsporum audouinii confirmando os achados dos estudos transversais anteriores levados a cabo na Cidade de Maputo.

A Case of Black Dot Ringworm Caused by Trichophyton violaceum / 대한의진균학회지

Tinea capitis is a dermatophytosis of the scalp and associated hairs that is caused by the species of genera Mecrosporum and Trichophyton. It commonly affects children. Black dot ringworm (BDR) can be caused by Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton violaceum. We report a 82-year-old woman with diffuse hair loss and black dots on the frontal scalp, and an erythematous annular scaly patches on the forehead. Endothrix invasion of the hair was shown on the 20% KOH mount. In fungus culture, slow growing violaceous verrucous colonies were obtained from the scalp and face. Microscopic findings revealed irregular branching hyphae and numerous chlamydospores. Histologic findings of the scalp showed numerous PAS positive fungal elements in the hair. Griseofulvin was administrated at the dose of daily 1000mg for 3 weeks, but no clinical and mycological improvement were obtained and tenderness and pustules were developed. Terbinafine at the dose of daily 250mg was administrated for 6 weeks, and clinical and mycologic improvement were obtained and damaged scalp hairs were replaced by intact hair shaft. There has been no recurrence for 8 months. To our best knowledge, this is the first case of BDR caused by T. violaceum in the Korean literature.