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Tinea capitis in Campania, Italy: a 9-year retrospective study
G Calabrò1, A Patalano, E Fiammenghi
1Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery‑Dermatology Federico II University, Naples, Italy - gcalabro@unina.it.
Summary
Tinea capitis (TC) is most common in children aged 1-18 years, with non-inflammatory forms and Microsporum canis being prevalent. Mycological examination is essential for diagnosing this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis (TC) is a common superficial fungal infection affecting the scalp.
- Understanding its prevalence, causative agents, and clinical presentations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Tinea capitis in Campania over a nine-year period.
- To identify the predominant fungal species responsible for TC.
- To describe the clinical forms of Tinea capitis observed.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 143 mycologically confirmed TC cases from January 2004 to December 2012.
- Samples analyzed using potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounts and fungal cultures on Sabouraud dextrose agar.
Main Results:
- TC predominantly affected individuals aged 1-18 years, with 13% of cases in adults.
- Non-inflammatory clinical forms constituted 80.4% of cases.
- Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated dermatophyte (64.1%), with an ectothrix hair invasion pattern observed in 72% of cases.
Conclusions:
- TC is prevalent in pediatric populations, but adults can also be affected, often presenting with atypical forms and potential risk factors.
- Microsporum canis is the primary cause in children, while Trichophyton rubrum is more common in adults.
- An increase in anthropophilic dermatophytes, potentially linked to immigration, was noted. Mycological examinations are vital for accurate TC diagnosis.
