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Epidemiology of tinea capitis among school-age children in Meiganga, Cameroon

F A Kechia1, E A Kouoto1, T Nkoa1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Journal De Mycologie Medicale
|April 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis) affects 8.1% of school children in Cameroon, with boys and younger children more susceptible. Communal living and specific fungal species like T. soudannense are key factors.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Tinea capitis (TC), or scalp ringworm, is a significant global health issue, particularly prevalent in Africa.
  • Understanding its epidemiology in specific regions is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the epidemiological profile of Tinea capitis among school-aged children in Cameroon's savanna zone.
  • To identify prevalent fungal species and risk factors associated with TC in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving examination of 4601 school children for TC lesions.
  • Collection and culturing of pathologic specimens from suspected lesions.
  • Analysis of demographic data, clinical manifestations, and identified fungal isolates.

Main Results:

  • A prevalence of 8.1% for Tinea capitis was observed, with a higher proportion in boys (63.7%) than girls (36.3%).
  • The most frequent clinical manifestation was small plaques of alopecia (59.26%). Communal living was identified as a significant risk factor.
  • Trichophyton soudannense (56.8%) was the most prevalent fungal isolate, followed by T. rubrum (29.2%).

Conclusions:

  • Tinea capitis is a common infection among school children in the savanna zone of Cameroon, with distinct epidemiological patterns.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on communal living and addressing T. soudannense are recommended for controlling scalp ringworm in this region.

Keywords:
CameroonCamerounDermatophytesEpidemiologySchoolTeigneTinea capitisÉcolesÉpidémiologie

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