Microsporum canis: report of a primary school outbreak

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Microsporum canis (M. canis) is a common cause of fungal infections, typically transmitted from animals to humans.
• Tinea capitis, a scalp infection, is usually caused by M. canis in the UK, but outbreaks are rare.
• Human-to-human transmission of M. canis is infrequently reported, making classroom outbreaks noteworthy.

Observation:

• An outbreak of M. canis occurred in a UK primary school classroom.
• The index case was presumed to have acquired the infection before arriving in the UK.
• Initial treatment with oral terbinafine for 4 weeks showed no clinical improvement.

Findings:

• Human-to-human transmission of M. canis was demonstrated within the classroom setting.
• Treatment was switched to griseofulvin, which was administered for 10 weeks at 10-20 mg/kg/day.
• Public health interventions included screening and treatment of affected classmates and siblings.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for M. canis to spread efficiently between children in a school environment.
• Effective treatment strategies may require alternative antifungals like griseofulvin when initial therapies fail.
• Public health management is crucial for controlling outbreaks and preventing further transmission in schools.