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A clinico-etiologic correlation in tinea capitis.
M Jahangir1, I Hussain, K Khurshid
1Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical College/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
International Journal of Dermatology
|May 13, 1999
Summary
Trichophyton violaceum is the primary cause of tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) in Lahore, Pakistan, affecting mostly children. This fungal infection presents with varied non-inflammatory and inflammatory skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, exhibits diverse clinical presentations.
- The specific fungi causing tinea capitis differ geographically and evolve over time.
- Understanding local etiologic agents is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative fungal agents of tinea capitis in Lahore, Pakistan.
- To correlate the clinical presentation of tinea capitis with its identified etiologic agents.
Main Methods:
- Collection of skin scrapings and hair samples from clinically suspected cases.
- Microscopic examination of samples to detect fungal elements.
- Fungal culture to isolate and identify specific dermatophyte species.
Main Results:
- 100 patients were evaluated, with 95% being children under 12 years old.
- Non-inflammatory lesions occurred in 56.4% and inflammatory lesions in 43.6% of cases.
- Trichophyton violaceum was the predominant pathogen (82%), followed by T. tonsurans (8%), T. verrucosum (5%), and T. mentagrophytes (5%).
Conclusions:
- Trichophyton violaceum is the most common fungus responsible for tinea capitis in Lahore.
- The identified predominant pathogen, T. violaceum, is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations.