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Tinea capitis in schoolchildren in southern Ivory Coast

Kassi Kondo Fulgence1, Konate Abibatou, Djohan Vincent

  • 1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, University of Cocody, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. kasful2000@yahoo.fr

International Journal of Dermatology
|February 26, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tinea capitis, a fungal scalp infection, affected 13.9% of children in southern Ivory Coast. Trichophyton soudanense was the most common cause, highlighting the need for infection control strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Fungal scalp infections, known as tinea capitis, are prevalent in pediatric populations.
  • These infections are caused by dermatophytes that invade keratinized structures like hair and skin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of fungal scalp infections in southern Ivory Coast.
  • To identify the prevalence, common age groups, and primary etiologic agents of tinea capitis.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical examination of 17,745 children aged 4-16 years in seven towns.
  • Collection of hair and scale samples from symptomatic children for microscopic and culture analysis.
  • Use of potassium hydroxide solution and Sabouraud's dextrose agar for fungal identification.

Main Results:

  • An overall prevalence of 13.9% for tinea capitis was found, with 2458 positive fungal cultures.
  • Infections were more common in males (74.0%) and children aged 9-12 years (54.3%).
  • The most prevalent fungal agents were Trichophyton soudanense (56.7%), Microsporum langeronii (21.4%), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (19.7%).

Conclusions:

  • Epidemiological data are crucial for developing effective infection control strategies.
  • Understanding the prevalence and causative agents of tinea capitis informs public health interventions.

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