Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
05:21
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
Published on: July 3, 2025
899
Tinea capitis in Germany. A survey in 1998
H-J Tietz1, V Czaika1, H M Ulbricht2
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie mit Asthmapoliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Medizinische Fakultät der Humboldt-Universität Berlin.
Mycoses
|December 22, 2017
Summary
A 1998 German survey found Microsporum canis to be the most common cause of tinea capitis, predominantly from zoophilic sources. Combination therapy with systemic and topical antifungals was the preferred treatment for this challenging fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, posing therapeutic challenges due to the virulence and contagiosity of causative agents.
- Understanding the epidemiological trends, spectrum of infectious agents, and treatment strategies is crucial for effective management of tinea capitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a survey on the frequency, infectious spectrum, and therapy of tinea capitis in Germany.
- To identify the predominant etiological agents and assess current treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey conducted in Germany in 1998, involving 154 dermatology practitioners and 19 hospitals.
- Data collection on 394 reported cases of tinea capitis, including identification of infectious agents and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Microsporum canis (54.8%) was the most frequent infectious agent, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (14.7%).
- Zoophilic dermatophytes (81.2%) predominated over anthropophilic species (18.8%).
- Combination therapy (systemic and topical antimycotics) was used in 61.5% of cases; griseofulvin, fluconazole, and itraconazole were common systemic treatments, while ciclopiroxolamine dominated topical preparations.
Conclusions:
- Tinea capitis microsporica remains a significant therapeutic problem in Germany due to highly virulent and contagious agents.
- The prevalence of zoophilic dermatophytes highlights the importance of animal-to-human transmission routes.
- Combination therapy is the preferred approach, with specific systemic and topical agents frequently employed.
