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Microsporum gypseum infection in the Siena area in 2005-2006

C Romano1, L Massai, A Gallo

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, Dermatology Section, Siena University, Siena, Italy. romanoclara@unisi.it

Mycoses
|May 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Microsporum gypseum caused 6.8% of dermatophytosis cases in Siena, Italy. Infections presented with various tinea types, including skin, scalp, and nail conditions, often linked to cats or soil exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection affecting skin, hair, and nails.
  • Microsporum gypseum is a geophilic dermatophyte, meaning it primarily inhabits soil.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of M. gypseum infections is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the incidence and clinical characteristics of dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum gypseum in Siena, Italy.
  • To identify the sources of infection and common clinical manifestations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of diagnosed dermatophytosis cases between 2005 and 2006 in Siena, Italy.
  • Mycological examination for diagnosis of fungal infections.
  • Clinical data collection on infection site and patient history.

Main Results:

  • Fourteen cases (6.8%) of dermatophytosis were attributed to Microsporum gypseum.
  • Common presentations included tinea corporis (6 cases), tinea capitis, tinea barbae, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, and onychomycosis.
  • Unusual clinical appearances for tinea corporis were noted, resembling impetigo, psoriasis, and pityriasis rosea.
  • Infection sources were identified as cats (6 cases) and soil contact.

Conclusions:

  • Microsporum gypseum is a relevant cause of dermatophytosis in the studied region.
  • The clinical spectrum of M. gypseum infections can be diverse, mimicking other dermatological conditions.
  • Awareness of zoonotic (cats) and geophilic (soil) transmission routes is important for public health.

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