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Superficial Fungal Infections in the Pediatric Dermatological Population of Northern Poland
Katarzyna Rychlik1,2, Julia Sternicka1, Monika Zabłotna1
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Clinical Centre, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
Insights
Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) affect over 20% of children in northern Poland. Key fungi identified were Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum complex, with varied patterns by age and location.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are common in children globally.
- Prevalence and causative agents of SFIs vary significantly by geographic region and age.
- Understanding pediatric SFI epidemiology is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of SFIs in children and adolescents in northern Poland (2019-2024).
- To identify the most common fungal species causing SFIs in this pediatric population.
- To analyze how age, gender, infection site, and residence influence SFI patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1237 pediatric patients (<18 years) with suspected SFIs.
- Inclusion of patients who underwent direct mycological examination and fungal culture.
- Data collection on patient demographics, infection site, identified fungal species, and residence.
Main Results:
- Overall SFI prevalence was 21.4% in the studied pediatric cohort.
- Predominant fungal species identified were Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum complex.
- Age-specific patterns observed: tinea capitis/cutis glabrae in younger children, tinea pedis/onychomycosis in adolescents. Rural patients showed higher infection rates, despite more urban participants.
Conclusions:
- SFIs represent a significant dermatological concern in Polish children, with consistent prevalence over the study period.
- Demographic factors (age, gender) and environmental factors (residence) significantly impact SFI epidemiology and pathogen distribution.
- Further research into behavioral and socio-economic factors is recommended to understand and manage pediatric SFIs effectively.
Abstract:
Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) remain a common dermatological issue in the pediatric population, with varying prevalence across regions and age groups. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of SFIs among children and adolescents in northern Poland in the years 2019 to 2024. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1237 patients under 18 years of age who underwent direct mycological examination and culture, due to suspicion of SFIs. Data were evaluated based on age, gender, infection site, fungal species identified, and place of residence. The prevalence of SFIs in the studied population was 21.4%. The most frequently isolated fungi were Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum complex. Infection patterns varied by age: tinea capitis and tinea cutis glabrae predominated in younger children, while adolescents were more affected by tinea pedis and onychomycosis. A higher proportion of positive results was observed in rural patients, although more urban dwellers were tested. Species distribution also varied with gender and place of residence. No significant change in SFI prevalence or pathogen profile was observed over the study period. This study provides updated insights into the epidemiology of SFIs in Polish children, highlighting the influence of demographic and environmental factors. The findings underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and suggest a need for further research into behavioral and socio-economic contributors to infection patterns.
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