[Tinea capitis by Microsporum gypseum, an infrequent species]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Tinea capitis is the most common fungal infection in children, with causative agents varying geographically.
• Etiological agents are typically zoophilic or anthropophilic dermatophytes.

Observation:

• A clinical case of inflammatory tinea capitis in a 6-year-old child is presented.
• The infection was caused by Microsporum gypseum, a geophilic fungus.
• Sources of human infection include soil, pets like cats and dogs, and small mammals.

Findings:

• Microsporum gypseum is infrequently identified as a cause of human dermatophytosis.
• This geophilic fungus is more commonly associated with tinea corporis than tinea capitis.
• This case highlights a rare occurrence of M. gypseum causing tinea capitis.

Implications:

• Accurate identification of the etiological agent in tinea capitis is essential for guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
• Understanding the spectrum of Microsporum species causing dermatophytosis is important for clinicians.
• This case broadens the known clinical presentations of M. gypseum infections.