Tinea faciei and tinea capitis in a 15-day-old infant

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Tinea infections, commonly known as ringworm, are superficial fungal infections.
• Tinea capitis and tinea faciei affect the scalp and face, respectively.
• Infections in neonates are uncommon, particularly those caused by specific dermatophytes like Trichophyton tonsurans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an extremely rare case of co-infection with tinea faciei and tinea capitis in a neonate.
• To highlight the potential for transmission within a household setting.
• To document the youngest reported case from India with a documented source and incubation period.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and diagnosis of tinea faciei and tinea capitis in a 15-day-old infant.
• Identification of the causative agent, Trichophyton tonsurans.
• Epidemiological investigation to identify the source of infection and incubation period.

Main Results:

• A 15-day-old male infant presented with clinical signs of both tinea faciei and tinea capitis.
• The causative organism was identified as Trichophyton tonsurans.
• The source of infection was traced to the infant's elder brother, who had black dot tinea capitis.
• The incubation period for the infant's infection was determined to be 7 days.

Conclusions:

• This case represents one of the youngest infants in India diagnosed with tinea faciei and tinea capitis.
• Household transmission of Trichophyton tonsurans is a significant factor in neonatal dermatophytosis.
• Early recognition and source control are crucial in managing such rare pediatric fungal infections.