Tinea capitis: a retrospective epidemiological comparative study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited comparative studies exist on dermatophytosis (TC) incidence across different geographic areas.
• Understanding etiological diversity in TC is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the epidemiology of TC in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and Thessaloniki, Greece.
• To identify predominant etiological agents of TC in pediatric and adult populations over an 11-year period (2004-2014).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of TC cases from mycological laboratory archives in Bulgaria and Greece (2004-2014).
• Inclusion of 374 pediatric patients (0-18 years) with confirmed TC diagnosis.
• Mycological examination and culture for etiological agent identification.

Main Results:

• TC incidence was lower in the studied period compared to previous reports, with higher rates in Thessaloniki (2.49%) than Plovdiv (1.20%).
• Microsporum canis (M. canis) was the primary etiological agent in pediatric TC cases in both regions.
• Gender distribution in pediatric TC showed female predominance in Plovdiv, but a near-equal ratio in Thessaloniki.

Conclusions:

• Geographic region and study period significantly influence gender predisposition in TC, beyond pathogen and age.
• Comparative epidemiological data are essential for understanding regional variations in dermatophytosis.