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A Population-based study of Toenail onychomycosis in Israeli children

Vera Leibovici1, Ruth Evron, Milka Dunchin

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. doctor_ima@yahoo.com

Pediatric Dermatology
|March 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Toenail onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, is increasingly found in children. This study surveyed Israeli schoolchildren, revealing a low prevalence but highlighting age-related increases and common causative fungi.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is common in adults but historically considered rare in children.
  • Recent studies indicate a rising prevalence of toenail onychomycosis in pediatric populations.
  • Population-based data on childhood onychomycosis remain limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive, population-based survey of toenail onychomycosis prevalence in primary school children in Israel.
  • To identify predisposing factors and etiological agents of onychomycosis in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey involving 1148 primary school children (aged 5-14) in the Jerusalem vicinity.
  • Physical examinations and personal questionnaires to gather data on predisposing factors.
  • Prevalence calculation and analysis of demographic and etiological data.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of toenail onychomycosis was found to be 0.87%.
  • Prevalence demonstrated an increase with age, with a boy/girl ratio of 2.2.
  • The primary etiological agents identified were Trichophyton rubrum, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans.

Conclusions:

  • Despite a low overall prevalence, toenail onychomycosis is present in Israeli schoolchildren.
  • Findings suggest transmission from adults to children, likely through environmental contact.
  • Onychomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric nail abnormalities.

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