Tinea cruris in female prostitutes

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tinea cruris, a fungal infection, predominantly affects males.
• Female infections are uncommon, with limited data on prevalence in female sex workers.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding tinea cruris in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and causative agents of tinea cruris in female prostitutes.
• To explore potential transmission routes in this population.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing seven female prostitutes diagnosed with tinea cruris.
• Demographic data and sexual contact frequency were recorded.
• Fungal isolates were identified through culture.

Main Results:

• Seven female prostitutes aged 19-34 years presented with tinea cruris.
• Each participant reported a high number of monthly sexual partners (mean 50).
• Commonly isolated fungi included Trichophyton mentagrophytes (57.1%), T. rubrum (28.6%), and Epidermophyton floccosum (14.3%).

Conclusions:

• Tinea cruris can occur in female prostitutes, challenging the notion of its rarity in females.
• High-risk sexual behavior and direct contact may facilitate transmission in this population.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of tinea cruris in sex workers.