Epidemiological profile of tinea capitis in São Paulo City

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pediatric Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Tinea capitis is the most prevalent fungal infection among children globally.
• Identifying the specific etiological agent is crucial for effective therapeutic selection.
• Regional variations in prevalent fungal agents necessitate localized epidemiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the primary etiological agents responsible for tinea capitis in São Paulo.
• To analyze trends in causative agents over a defined period.
• To assess the impact of demographic changes on fungal infection patterns.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study was conducted between March 2013 and May 2015.
• Data were collected from patients diagnosed with tinea capitis at a tertiary public healthcare service.
• Fungal isolates were identified to determine the etiological agents.

Main Results:

• Microsporum canis was identified as the predominant etiological agent, accounting for 56.6% of cases.
• Trichophyton tonsurans was the second most common agent, responsible for 36.6% of infections.
• No significant shift in the primary causative agents was observed during the study period.

Conclusions:

• Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans remain the leading causes of tinea capitis in São Paulo.
• Current epidemiological patterns of tinea capitis agents appear stable in this region.
• Further monitoring is recommended to detect potential future changes in etiological agents.