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Tinea capitis in children in northern Greece during the period 1981-1995
T Koussidou-Eremondi1, D Devliotou-Panagiotidou, O Mourellou-Tsatsou
1State Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Abstract:
In our 15 years of investigation in northern Greece, the predominant organism producing tinea capitis in children was found to be the zoophilic Microsporum canis (494 strains) which is a common saprophyte of the hair of pets, especially cats. The high percentage of cases with M. canis (97%), in contrast to zoophilic fungi (3%), is probably due to the increased contact of children with pets. The small number of infections with anthropophilic fungi (41 strains) is attributed to good hygienic conditions. The fluorescence of infected hair under Wood's light seems to be a major diagnostic criterion in the hands of dermatologists who are not served by a mycological laboratory.
Insights
Microsporum canis, a fungus common in pets, is the main cause of tinea capitis in children in northern Greece. This finding highlights the importance of pet contact in pediatric fungal infections and Wood
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a common superficial fungal infection affecting children.
- Understanding the predominant causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and public health strategies.
- Previous studies indicated a shift in fungal species distribution for tinea capitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary fungal species responsible for tinea capitis in children in northern Greece over a 15-year period.
- To investigate the correlation between causative agents, environmental factors, and diagnostic methods.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study spanning 15 years.
- Collection and mycological analysis of fungal strains from pediatric tinea capitis cases.
- Epidemiological data collection on patient demographics and potential exposure sources.
Main Results:
- Microsporum canis was identified as the predominant pathogen, accounting for 97% of cases (494 strains).
- Zoophilic fungi were responsible for a small percentage of infections (3%).
- Infections by anthropophilic fungi were infrequent, suggesting good hygiene practices.
Conclusions:
- The zoophilic fungus Microsporum canis is the leading cause of pediatric tinea capitis in northern Greece.
- Increased contact between children and pets likely contributes to the high prevalence of M. canis.
- Wood's light fluorescence is a valuable diagnostic tool for dermatologists, especially in resource-limited settings.