Review Article White Piedra: Review of 131 cases.

This study analyzes the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with White Piedra through a systematic review of cases in the literature. A sample of 131 subjects was considered, of which 91.6% were female and most were 18 years of age or younger. Most studies were conducted in Brazil, followed by India, and Mexico. The most common etiologic agent found was Trichosporon spp (34.3%). Most affected patients were asymptomatic (94.6%) and predisposing factors included long hair, use of a hair band or hair accessories, and wet hair. The most common clinical feature was the presence of nodules. The evaluation of treatment effectiveness was hindered by the scarcity of follow-up information in the majority of the studies. It is concluded that White Piedra infection is more common in young women and is associated with hair-related factors.

The first report of tinea nigra from Iran.

Hortaea werneckii causes Tinea nigra, a rare superficial mycosis. It has not been reported in Iran yet. We report a case of an Iranian boy resident of Amol (Mazandaran, Iran) that developed brown macules on his left palm. Direct microscopic examination and culture confirmed the diagnosis of Tinea nigra.

High Trichophyton violaceum-Induced Tinea Capitis with Isolation of Many Non-Dermatophyte Molds in Scalp Scrapings in Patients Referred to a Dermatology Clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Objective: This work aimed to determine the magnitude of tinea capitis, the diversity and species composition of fungi, and the predominant dermatophytes implicated in causing tinea capitis. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a dermatology clinic. Scalp scrapings were collected and cultured, and dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte molds were identified. Results: Of 364 scalp scrapings, fungi were recovered from 301 (82.7%) clinical samples. About 60.7% of the samples were collected from women, while 39.3% were collected from male study subjects. The association between the magnitude of scalp ringworm and gender was not statistically significant (P = 0.105). Two hundred eighty study subjects were less than 15 years of age, of which 254 were culture positive. The association of tinea capitis and the age of patients was statistically significant (P = 0). Three hundred forty-nine fungal isolates were isolated, of which 54.2% were dermatophytes, while 45.8% were non-dermatophyte molds. The occurrence of dermatophytes in their decreasing order was T. violaceum (138; 73%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (18; 9.5%), Trichophyton tonsurans (16; 8.5%), Trichophyton verrucosum (8; 4.5%), Microsporum audouinii (7; 3.7%), Trichophyton schoenleinii (1; 0.5%), and Trichophyton soudanense (1; 0.5%). Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of T. violaceum-induced tinea capitis was reported. The magnitude of scalp ringworm in adults was remarkably high. Therefore, conducting a nationwide epidemiological survey on tinea capitis regardless of age is suggested. The isolation of many non-dermatophyte molds in the current study may shade questions about the perception that tinea capitis is caused by dermatophytes only. Therefore, studies on their potential pathogenic role on skin and skin-related (nail and the scalp) infections appear to be an active field of research.

Pathogen Analysis of Superficial Mucocutaneous Mycosis in a Tertiary A-level Hospital from 2007 to 2018.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the fungal species of pathogens isolated from patients with superficial mucocutaneous mycosis from May 2007 to December 2018. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out to determine the pathogenic fungi isolated from patients with superficial fungal infections in the Medical Mycology Clinical Laboratory, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Union Hospital, from May 2007 to December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 7639 strains were obtained, belonging to 21 genera and 36 species. They mainly consisted of Candida (3707/7639, 48.53%) and dermatophytes (3594/7639, 47.05%). The specimens were skin scales, nail shavings, secretions on the nail grooves, broken or diseased hair and dandruff, secretions or pseudomembrane of the external genitalia, and the oral mucosa. A total of 7300 patients were enrolled in this study, including 3301 males and 3999 females aged 2 months to 92 years old with a median age of 46.04 years old except for 633 patients whose ages were unknown. Two strains of different species were isolated from each of 339 patients at different body sites. The most frequent species were Trichophyton rubrum complex (2906/7639, 38.04%), Candida albicans (2619/7639, 34.28%), and unclassified Candida spp. Dermatophytes were mostly isolated from glabrous skin (2138/3594, 59.49%), with T. rubrum complex being the predominant species. Candida strains were most commonly isolated from mucosal sites (1979/3707, 53.39%), and C. albicans was the most prevalent causative agent. CONCLUSION: The main distribution of pathogenic fungal species isolated from patients with superficial mycosis from 2007 to 2018 in Wuhan, Hubei province and the surrounding areas was that Candida slightly outnumbered dermatophytes. Among all of the isolated strains, T. rubrum complex was the most abundant.

New Record of Bipolaris cynodontis: An Emerging Human Pathogen Causing Superficial Mycosis in North India.

Superficial mycosis, a common fungal infection affecting people worldwide are prevalent in the tropical and subtropical countries, mostly caused by the dermatophytes but nowadays, there is an increase in the incidence of these infections being caused by non-dermatophytic fungi and yeasts. Among non-dermatophytes, Bipolaris species, usually known to cause diseases in plants, have also emerged as potent human pathogens in the past years. Reports on Bipolaris species associated with clinical human skin samples are rare worldwide with no reports on B. cynodontis as a causal agent of superficial human skin mycoses from India. We report the first case of superficial mycosis caused by B. cynodontis that affected the feet of a 19-year-old female student from Jammu district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Thus, the causal agent described in the research communication constitutes a new addition to the list of pathogenic non-dermatophytes associated with human skin.

Preparation of Topical Itraconazole with Enhanced Skin/Nail Permeability and In Vivo Antifungal Efficacy against Superficial Mycosis.

In this study, a stable and highly skin-permeable topical delivery system for itraconazole (ITZ) was designed to provide effective treatment against superficial mycosis. Herein, ITZ was incorporated into a solution composed of ethanol, benzyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, Transcutol P, and cyclomethicone as a delivery vehicle, solubilizer, protonating agent, permeation enhancer, and spreading agent, respectively. At 72 h, the optimal topical ITZ formulation (ITZ-TF#11) exhibited 135% enhanced skin permeability, which led to increases in drug deposition in the stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis of 479%, 739%, and 2024%, respectively, compared with the deposition of 1% ITZ in ethanol (control). Moreover, on day 7, ITZ-TF#11 demonstrated 2.09- and 2.30-fold enhanced nail flux and drug deposition, compared with the control. At a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, ITZ-TF#11 showed 323% greater lesion recovery, a 165% lower mean erythema severity score, and a 37% lower mean logarithm of viable fungal cells in skin in the treated area, compared with mice that received oral ITZ at the same dose. Overall, the findings imply that ITZ-TF#11 is a superior alternative to oral ITZ for treatment of superficial mycosis.

Infection and strain analysis of superficial fungi in 498 cases in Shiyan area / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the clinical characteristics, susceptibility factors, and the composition and distribution of pathogenic fungi in Shiyan area. Methods From January 2018 to December 2018, at the outpatient department of Taihe Hospital, a total of 498 patients with superficial mycosis were confirmed by clinical features and microbial identification. Clinical data was collected and statistical analysis of these patients was carried out. Results Among 498 patients, the top three diseases were 123 cases of tinea corporis (24.70%), 110 cases of onychomycosis (22.09%), and 54 cases of body ringworm (10.84%). The top three pathogenic fungi were Trichophyton rubrum (232 strains, 46.59%), Trichophyton interdigitale (71 strains, 14.26%) and Candida albicans (41 strains, 8.23%). There were some differences in the incidence of patients of different genders, ages, and jobs. Conclusion Tinea cruris was the main superficial mycosis in Shiyan area and Trichophyton rubrum was the main pathogen of superficial mycosis. The epidemic trend is similar to that in most regions of the country, but it has its own characteristics.

Analysis on the pathogenic fungi in patients with superficial mycosis in the Northeastern China during 10 years.

This study analyzed the infection of superficial mycosis and the relationship between the distribution characteristics of pathogenic fungi and age, time and sex in Northeast China in the past 10 years. We would like to provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. From December 2008 to December 2018, 5,374 superficial mycoses from Northeast China were selected. The fungal species were identified by fungal microscopy, fungal culture, and species identification. Besides, the relationship between sex, age, time and the distribution of superficial mycosis and pathogenic fungi was analyzed. Among the 5,374 patients, the top three infections were tinea pedis (n=1,538, 28.62%), tinea cruris (n=1,018, 18.94%) and tinea corporis (n=938, 17.45%). The top three pathogens were Trichophyton rubrum (n=2,849, 48.65%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n=947, 16.14%) and Candida spp. (n=804, 13.70%). The main pathogenic fungi were dermatophytes. The age group with the highest incidence of tinea capitis was children (n=372, 6.92%). The highest incidence rate of tinea pedis was in 31-69-year adults (n=905, 16.84%); Malassezia mainly affects young people aged 15-30. Yeast and mold mostly invade the elderly patients >60 years old. The incidence of tinea cruris, tinea pedis and tinea corporis in male patients was higher than that in female patients. The incidence of onychomycosis in female patients was higher than that in male patients (P<0.05). The isolation rate of Candida, Mold, Microsporum canis, Malassezia and Sporothrix increased year by year, while that of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, Trichophyton schoenleinii and Epidermophyton floccosum decreased. From December 2008 to December 2018, dermatophytes were the main pathogens of superficial mycosis in Northeast China. The distribution of disease species and pathogenic fungi varied in different gender, age and time.

Trends of Antifungal Use Based on Sales Data in Japan from 2006 to 2015.

The detailed epidemiology of invasive mycoses and superficial mycoses has not been clarified in Japan. In addition, treatment options have increased because of novel antifungals and/or guidelines for fungal infection. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the trends of antifungal use in Japan from 2006 to 2015 based on sales data to serve as an alternative indicator of fungal infection trends. We found that the total antifungal use decreased over time (r = -0.057, Pfor trend < 0.0001). Oral and parenteral use significantly decreased by 44.1% (r = -0.056, Pfor trend < 0.0001) and 27.1% (r = -0.0012, Pfor trend = 0.00061), respectively. The trend of antifungal use for superficial mycoses significantly decreased by 49.8% (r = -0.061, Pfor trend < 0.0001). However, the trend of antifungal use for invasive mycoses was significantly increased by 19.9% (r = 0.0032, Pfor trend = 0.00045). In Japan, the increase in the number of immunocompromised patients might be associated with the increase in the frequency of antifungal use for invasive mycoses. This is the first study to clarify the trends of antifungal use in Japan. Further research is needed to establish a continuous surveillance system to compare fungal infections between Japan and the world.

Superficial mycoses in Belgium: Burden, costs and antifungal drugs consumption.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of superficial mycoses requires more attention due to their important incidence, health costs and antifungal drugs consumption. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to estimate the burden of superficial mycoses in Belgium and to assess trends in associated antifungal consumption. METHODS: The burden of dermatophytoses (including onychomycosis), as well as skin and genital candidiasis, was estimated using disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Moreover, trends in systemic and topical antifungal consumption in ambulatory care were examined for the period 2010-2017, together with their associated costs. RESULTS: Due to their high incidence and long treatment duration, dermatophytoses represented the bulk of the burden, accounting for 92.2% of the total DALYs of superficial mycoses. Terbinafine was the most prescribed antifungal in terms of doses (35.4% of the total doses) while fluconazole was the most delivered drug in terms of packages (29.1% of the total packages). More than 70% of the prescriptions were made by general practitioners while consumption varied according to age and gender of the patients. A global 12% decrease in antifungal prescriptions was observed between 2011 and 2017. However, this reduction would result mainly from packaging changes and increased self-medication. A significant decrease in itraconazole treatments was notably compensated by an increased prescription of fluconazole packages. CONCLUSION: This study emphasises that dermatological presentations of superficial mycoses are the most important in terms of both burden and antifungal consumption in Belgium. Further reduction in antifungals use can be achieved by applying the adequate treatment after identification of the causative agent.

Dermoscopy in the Evaluation of Pityriasis Versicolor: A Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial mycosis caused by Malassezia yeast; a lipophilic fungus. Dermoscopy may be a value addition in the diagnosis of PV in some cases, where results of KOH (potassium hydroxide) examination are ambiguous. There is paucity of Indian data on dermoscopy of PV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients diagnosed clinically with pityriasis versicolor were recruited in this pilot cross sectional study. Patients were subjected to KOH mount of the skin scrapings from the lesions which were positive in all the patients. Dermoscopy was performed in all using Universal Serial Bus (USB) dermoscope [Dinolite AMZT 73915, Edge 3] and features were recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Hypopigmented variant was the most common type (80%). Dermoscopic analysis revealed altered pigmentary network as most common finding (100%) followed by scaling seen in 25 cases (83.33%). Folliculocentric pattern was appreciated in 20 cases (66.67%). A characteristic contrast halo ring around the primary altered pigmentation was observed in 20 cases (66.67%). Invasion of hair follicles by yeast was evident in 6 patients (20%). CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy with characteristic features such as folliculocentricity, contrast halo sign, and yeast invasion of hair follicles can be a very useful aid in contributing towards diagnosing pityriasis versicolor.

Dermatofitos y hongos levaduriformes causantes de micosis superficiales de piel lampiña en un centro dermatológico, San Lorenzo-Paraguay / Dermatophytes and levaduriform fungi causing superficial mycoses of skin in a dermatological center, San Lorenzo-Paraguay

Introducción: las micosis superficiales o dermatomicosis se encuentran entre las enfermedades infecciosas de piel más comunes. Se localizan en las capas superficiales de la piel y sus anexos (pelo y uñas), por esta razón son motivo de consulta dermatológica. De estas micosis, las dermatofitosis, las malasseziosis y las candidiasis cutáneas son las más frecuentes. Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas de las micosis superficiales de piel lampiña. Metodología: estudio observacional, retrospectivo y de corte transverso, donde se analizaron fichas epidemiológicas de pacientes que acudieron al Centro de Especialidades Dermatológicas en el periodo comprendido entre julio del 2017 hasta agosto del 2019, con diagnóstico presuntivo de micosis superficiales de piel lampiña. Resultados: se observaron 341 casos de micosis superficiales de piel lampiña. Entre los agentes causales, los dermatofitos fueron los responsables del 56 % (190/341) de los casos; Malassezia spp. 42 % (142/341) y Candida spp. 2 % 9/341. Se observaron 3 casos de micosis mixtas, donde Candida spp. y dermatofitos fueron los agentes causales. Conclusión: entre las micosis superficiales que afectan piel lampiña, se encuentran en primer lugar los dermatofitos seguidos por las malasseziosis. Este reporte constituye un aporte importante para el conocimiento de la epidemiología de las micosis superficiales en nuestro país.

Introduction: superficial mycoses or dermatomycosis are among the most common skin infectious diseases. These are located in the superficial layers of the skin and its annexes (hair and nails), for this reason it´s a frecuent cause of medical consult. Of these mycoses, dermatophytosis, malasseziosis and cutaneous candidiasis are the most frequent. Objectives: describe the epidemiological characteristics of superficial mycoses of skin. Methodology: observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study, where epidemiological records of patients who were attended at the Dermatological Specialties Center were analyzed in the period from July 2017 to August 2019, with presumptive diagnosis of superficial mycoses of skin. Results: 341 cases of superficial mycosis of skin were observed. Among the causative agents, dermatophytes were responsible for 56 % (190/341) of the cases; Malassezia sp. 42 % (142/341) and Candida sp. 2 % (9/341). Three cases of mixed mycosis were observed; Candida spp. and Dermatophytes were the causative agents. Conclusion: among the superficial mycoses of skin, dermatophytes followed by malaseziosis are in the first places. This report constitutes an important contribution to the knowledge of the epidemiology of superficial mycoses in our country.

Micosis superficiales en pacientes embarazadas en un hospital general de segundo nivel de atención / Superficial mycosis in pregnant patients in a general hospital

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: Las micosis superficiales se generan por contacto directo con el hongo o con una persona o animal infectado, y afectan la piel, los anexos y las mucosas; las pacientes embarazadas son susceptibles a cambios cutáneos fisiológicos y patológicos. OBJETIVO: Describir las micosis superficiales en pacientes embarazadas del Servicio de Obstetricia del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, prospectivo y transversal realizado en pacientes embarazadas de la consulta externa del Servicio de Gineco-obstetricia del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González de julio de 2016 a julio de 2017. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 23 pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Micología; el grupo de edad más afectado fue de 21 a 40 años de edad (86.9%); 17 tuvieron tiña plantar (73.9%) y 4 (17.9%) tuvieron onicomicosis distrófica total. Dos cultivos fueron positivos para Trichophyton rubrum. CONCLUSIONES: Las micosis superficiales fueron poco frecuentes en el grupo estudiado: 17 pacientes con tiña de los pies y 4 con onicomicosis. El agente aislado fue Trichophyton rubrum.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Superficial mycoses are generated by direct contact with the fungus or with an infected person or animal, and affect the skin, the attachments and mucous membranes; pregnant patients are susceptible to skin changes, both physiological and pathological. OBJECTIVE: To know the frequency of superficial mycoses in pregnant patients from the obstetrics service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, observational, prospective and crosssectional study carried out in pregnant patients of the Gineco-Obstetrics Service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City, from July 2016 to July 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included in the mycology department for their physical examination; the most affected group was between 21 and 40 age years (86.9%); 17 patients presented tinea pedis (73.9%) and 4 (17.9%) onychomycosis. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial mycosis were not frequent in the group of study: 17 patients had tinea pedis and 4 onychomycosis. The causal agent isolated was Trichophyton rubrum.

Fusariosis in a Captive South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens): A Case Report.

Superficial mycoses are commonly reported in captive pinnipeds, usually maintained in wet and warm environments, favorable to fungal growth. Most superficial mycoses in pinnipeds have been described as difficult to treat; however, the majority of the reports come from past decades. Cutaneous lesions associated with opportunistic Fusarium sp. infections have been previously recognized in this taxon. We described the clinical signs, associated lesions and diagnosis (thermography, imprint cytology, histopathology, culture, electron microscopy, PCR) of a fusariosis case by Fusarium sp. in the nails and skin of an adult male captive South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) recently transferred from another zoological institution, and its successful long-term treatment with Ketoconazole PO (60 days) and Miconazole solution spray TO, followed by Itraconazole PO (30 days). Herein we provide a successful approach to the diagnosis and treatment of fusariosis.

Neocucurbitaria keratinophila: An emerging opportunistic fungus causing superficial mycosis in Spain.

Although there have been few reports of opportunistic infections (superficial and systemic) caused by coelomycetous fungi, they are becoming more frequent. Neocucurbitaria keratinophila (formerly Pyrenochaeta keratinophila), characterized by producing pycnidial conidiomata and small hyaline conidia, seems to be an emergent opportunistic pathogen in Spain. Since this fungus was first reported from human keratitis, eight strains have been isolates from clinical cases in Spain. This is a retrospective study of these fungal strains, including phenotypic and molecular characterizations, and in vitro antifungal susceptibility assays. These clinical strains were identified by sequencing four phylogenetic markers such as the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and fragments of the 28S nrRNA (LSU), beta-tubulin (tub2), and RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) genes, and by morphological characterization. All the strains tested were susceptible to the majority of antifungals, being isavuconazole the only drug that showed a poor antifungal activity.

[The burden of fungal infections in Algeria]. / Estimation des infections fongiques en Algérie.

In Algeria, superficial mycoses are very commonly diagnosed. Deep fungal infections are less often observed. Few data from Algeria are found in the literature. We report for the first time the main causes of these diseases in our country and provide burden estimates. We searched for existing data and estimated the incidence and prevalence of fungal diseases based on the population at risk and available epidemiological data. Demographic data were derived from the Service (Office) of the Statistics (ONES), World Health Organization (WHO), The Joint Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and national published reports. When no data existed, risk populations were used to estimate frequencies of fungal infections, using previously described methodology. Algeria has 40.4 million inhabitants and probably at least 568,900 (1.41 %) of Algerians have a serious fungal infection each year. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (485,000) and fungal asthma (72,000) are probably the commonest problems as there are over 1 million adult asthmatics. Candidaemia is estimated in 2020, invasive aspergillosis in 2865, intra-abdominal candidiasis in 303 people and are the most common life-threatening problems. AIDS is uncommon, but cancer is not (45,000 new cases of cancer among including 1500 in children) and nor is COPD (an estimated 317,762 patients of whom 20.3 % are admitted to hospital each year). A focus on improving the diagnosis and epidemiological data related to fungal infection is necessary in Algeria.

Frecuencia de tiña del cuerpo en un hospital del estado de Quintana Roo / Frequency of tinea corporis in a hospital in Quintana Roo state

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: las dermatofitosis son micosis superficiales causadas por un grupo de hongos parásitos de la queratina, denominados dermatofitos. Comprenden tres géneros: Trichophyton, Microsporum y Epidermophyton. Son cosmopolitas, predominan en climas cálidos y húmedos, y representan 70 a 80% de todas las micosis. OBJETIVO: identificar la frecuencia de consulta por tiña del cuerpo en una zona urbana tropical. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo, abierto y transversal, en el que durante tres meses en 2015 se registraron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de tiña del cuerpo que asistieron a la consulta de dermatología de un hospital de segundo nivel de Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México. Se registraron los datos demográficos, tiempo de evolución, topografía y factores predisponentes asociados. Se realizó examen directo en escama con hidróxido de potasio (KOH), cultivo micológico en medio de Sabouraud y examen directo del cultivo con azul de lactofenol para identificar al agente causal. RESULTADOS: de 546 consultas de dermatología general se detectaron 17 pacientes (3%) y se corroboró el diagnóstico con KOH en 14 pacientes (82%, nueve mujeres [64%]), entre éstos hubo crecimiento en el cultivo en 9 muestras (64%). Se aisló Microsporum canis en 4 (44%), Trichophyton rubrum en 4 (44%) y T. mentagrophytes en uno (11%). Los límites de edad fueron 3 y 57 años (4 niños, 28.5%). El tiempo de evolución promedio fue de 15 semanas. La localización más frecuente fueron las extremidades. Los factores predisponentes más comunes fueron el contacto con mascotas infectadas y la administración de corticoesteroides. CONCLUSIONES: la tiña del cuerpo representa 3% de la consulta de dermatología en un hospital de una zona urbana tropical. Fue más frecuente en mujeres, predominó en las extremidades y en 28.5% afectó a población pediátrica. T. rubrum y M. canis fueron los agentes causales más frecuentes.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis are superficial mycosis caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that parasite keratin, and is composed of three genera: Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. They predominate on hot and humid climates, and are responsible of 70-80% of all mycosis. OBJETIVE: To identify the frequency of consultation for tinea corporis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, open and cross-sectional study in which, during three months in 2015, all patients with clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis that attended to the dermatology department in a second level hospital at Playa del Carmen, QR, Mexico, were registered including demographic data, such as progression time, topography and associated predisposing factors; a KOH mount was performed, as well as mycological culture in Sabouraud dextrose agar and microscopic examination of the colony with lactophenol blue to identify the causal agent. RESULTS: Out of 546 visits to the dermatology service, the diagnosis was confirmed in 17 patients (2.5%) and diagnosis was confirmed with a positive KOH mount in 14 patients (82%, nine women [64%]), and in 9 samples there was culture growth (64%). Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum were isolated in 4 cases (44%) each, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in one case (11%). Age range was 3-57 years, with four children registered (28.5%). The progression time of the disease was 15 weeks in average. The most frequent topography was the extremities. The most common predisposing factors were contact with infected pets and the administration of corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Tinea corporis represents 3% of the dermatology consultation in a second level hospital in urban tropical zone. It is more frequent in female patients, affecting more frequently extremities; 28.5% were children. The isolated causal agents were M. canis and T. rubrum.

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)