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Epidemiology of tinea capitis
R Aly1, R J Hay, A Del Palacio
1Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, USA. rzaly@orca.ucsf.edu
Medical Mycology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Epidemiology of tinea capitis has shifted in the USA and Europe over recent decades. Primary causes are Microsporum and Trichophyton, with geophilic dermatophytes being rare in the USA.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, exhibits evolving epidemiological patterns.
- The causative agents are primarily dermatophytes from the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the changing epidemiology of tinea capitis in the USA and Europe.
- To discuss the etiological agents and sources of tinea capitis infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on tinea capitis over several decades.
- Analysis of dermatophyte genera involved in scalp infections.
- Discussion of geophilic, anthropophilic, and zoophilic fungal sources.
Main Results:
- Significant shifts in tinea capitis epidemiology observed in the USA and Europe.
- Microsporum and Trichophyton remain the principal etiological agents.
- Geophilic dermatophyte infections are infrequent in the USA compared to global prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiology of tinea capitis is dynamic, influenced by geographical factors and fungal sources.
- Understanding the origin of dermatophytes is crucial for managing tinea capitis.
- Geographic restrictions on anthropophilic and zoophilic species impact infection patterns.