Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

In Vivo Confocal Microscopy: A Standard Operating Procedure for the Detection of Demodex Mites at the Eyelid Margin
Published on: July 3, 2025
Epidemiology and Pathogen Shift of Tinea Capitis: A Comparative Analysis of Adults and Children in Nanchang, China
Qian Peng1,2, Afang Xu1,2, Qijing Xiao1,2
1Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin Diseases, JXHC Key Laboratory of Skin Infection and Immunity, The Affiliated Dermatology Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
Background:
Tinea capitis remains a public health concern, especially in children, with evolving trends. Data from Nanchang, China, regarding comparative analyses between adults and children is limited.
Objectives:
This study aimed to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, pathogen spectrum, risk factors, and household transmission of tinea capitis in Nanchang from 2022 to 2024, comparing features between adult and pediatric patients.
Methods:
A single-center retrospective study was conducted involving 239 patients (170 children, 69 adults) diagnosed with confirmed tinea capitis. Demographic, clinical, and risk factor data were collected. Pathogens were identified via microscopy, culture, and molecular methods.
Results:
Significant increases were observed in adult cases (28.87% vs. historical 9.73%), particularly among postmenopausal women. Anthropophilic pathogens dominated overall (65.42%), but zoophilic species increased significantly (32.71% vs. historical 16.96%). Clinical types differed: black dot tinea predominated in adults (81.16%), while kerion (42.94%) was more common in children. Animal contact was a key risk factor for children (55.29%). Household transmission occurred in 22.90% of surveyed families, with 100% pathogen concordance and frequent asymptomatic adult carriers (50% of affected households).
Conclusions:
Notable differences exist between children and adult tinea capitis in Nanchang, with trends showing increasing adult cases and a shift towards zoophilic pathogens. Prevention strategies should be tailored to specific age groups and transmission modes, emphasising household screening and management of human and animal sources.
Related Concept Videos
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...

