Pseudomembranous-like tinea of the scrotum: report of six cases

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Sha Lu, Li-Yan Xi, Jun-Min Zhang

    Mycoses
    |July 17, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study reports six cases of atypical scrotal tinea infections in young males. The unusual pseudomembranous-like presentation was linked to Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum fungal infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Mycology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Tinea infections typically affect the groin, but scrotal involvement is less common.
    • Atypical presentations of common dermatophyte infections can pose diagnostic challenges.

    Observation:

    • Six cases of scrotal tinea with unusual pseudomembranous-like clinical features were observed between 2001 and 2007.
    • Patients ranged from 14 to 26 years old, presenting with atypical symptoms.
    • Causative agents identified were Microsporum gypseum (five cases) and Trichophyton rubrum (one case).

    Findings:

    • Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum were identified as the causative agents of these atypical scrotal tinea cases.
    • Three of the Microsporum gypseum isolates exhibited atypical cultural morphologies.
    • All fungal isolates were confirmed through cultural characteristics and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region.

    Implications:

    • Highlights the potential for tinea infections to present atypically on the scrotum, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
    • Emphasizes the importance of considering dermatophyte infections in the differential diagnosis of unusual scrotal lesions.
    • Confirms the role of Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton rubrum in these rare presentations, supported by molecular identification.

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