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Tinea capitis in Germany. A survey in 1998
H J Tietz1, V Czaika, H M Ulbricht
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie mit Asthmapoliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Medizinische Fakultät, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Germany.
Mycoses
|June 24, 2000
Summary
A 1998 German survey found Microsporum canis to be the most frequent cause of tinea capitis, predominantly zoophilic dermatophytes. Combination therapy with systemic and topical antimycotics was the preferred treatment approach.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp.
- Understanding its epidemiology and treatment is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the frequency, infectious spectrum, and therapy of tinea capitis in Germany.
- To identify the predominant causative agents and treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey conducted in Germany in 1998.
- Data collected from 154 dermatology practitioners and 19 hospitals.
- Analysis of 394 reported tinea capitis cases.
Main Results:
- Microsporum canis was the most frequent agent (54.8%), followed by Trichophyton species.
- Zoophilic dermatophytes (81.2%) predominated over anthropophilic species (18.8%).
- Combination therapy (systemic and topical antimycotics) was used in 61.5% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Tinea capitis microsporica remains a therapeutic challenge due to high virulence and contagiosity.
- Griseofulvin, fluconazole, and itraconazole were common systemic treatments; ciclopiroxolamine was the leading topical agent.
- Trends in causative agents may differ between Germany and other European regions.