Sexually Transmitted Dermatophyte Infections-A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Sexually transmitted dermatophyte infections represent a growing global health issue.
• Transmission occurs via direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, with increased risk in specific populations and behaviors.
• Infections often present with severe, widespread, and atypical clinical features, complicating diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the emerging public health concern of sexually transmitted dermatophyte infections.
• To discuss diagnostic challenges and the importance of molecular identification methods.
• To outline current and recommended management strategies for these infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and transmission dynamics.
• Emphasis on molecular sequencing techniques (ITS and tef1α) for accurate species identification.
• Analysis of treatment strategies, including systemic and topical antifungal therapies.

Main Results:

• Increasing incidence of sexually transmitted dermatophyte infections worldwide.
• Clinical presentations are frequently severe, widespread, and atypical, leading to diagnostic delays.
• Molecular methods are crucial for precise identification, strain surveillance, and contact tracing.

Conclusions:

• Accurate species identification using molecular techniques is critical for effective management.
• Systemic antifungal therapy, potentially combined with other treatments, is essential for clinical resolution.
• Patient education on hygiene, reinfection risks, and environmental decontamination is vital for controlling transmission and preventing recurrence.