ABSTRACT
Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common superficial mycosis seen in children before puberty. The distribution of these dermatophytes changes over time and varies from country to country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of TC in Tunis. We conducted a retrospective study, involving 474 patients referred for mycological analysis of the scalp between January 2012 and December 2020. For each patient, a Clinical Information Sheet was completed, and a mycological sample was taken. The identification of isolated dermatophytes was based on macroscopic and microscopic colony criteria. Molecular real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) detection of 4 isolates was performed using the DermaGenius®2.0 kit. We collected 210 positive samples, reflecting a prevalence of 44.3% (n=210). Male patients were more frequently affected by TC (81%, n=170). The average age of patients was 6,2±3,4 years. Ring-shaped large patches were predominant (88%, n=184). Direct examination had a sensitivity of 87% (n=182). Microsporic ectothrix parasitism was detected in (79%, n=166) of cases and trichophytic endothrix in (7%, n=14) of cases. Culture was positive in (98%, n=207) of cases and five dermatophyte species were isolated: Microsporum canis (87%, n=182), Trichophyton violaceum (9%, n=19), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var mentagrophytes (3%, n=6), Microsporum gypsum (0.5%, n=1) and Trichophyton verrucosum (0.5%, n=1). This study reveals the occurrence of zoophilic dermatophytes, in particular M. canis. Mycological examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis, conduct epidemiological surveillance of dermatophytes in the districts and for therapeutic management.
