Dermatophytes in Portugal (1972-1981).

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a superficial fungal infection affecting skin, hair, and nails.
• Understanding the epidemiological trends of dermatophyte species is crucial for effective public health strategies and clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence and distribution of dermatophyte species isolated from various body sites in a defined population over a ten-year period (1972-1981).
• To identify significant shifts in the epidemiology of common dermatophyte infections, including the rising prevalence of specific species.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 7,333 dermatophyte isolates collected between 1972 and 1981.
• Categorization of isolates by fungal species, patient age, sex, and anatomical site of infection (glabrous skin, feet, groin, scalp, nails, beard).

Main Results:

• Trichophyton rubrum was the most prevalent species (50%), particularly on glabrous skin, groin, and nails.
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes (24%) was common on feet, while Epidermophyton floccosum (9%) predominated in the groin.
• Microsporum canis was the leading cause of scalp infections in children, and a decline in Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton tonsurans was noted.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a significant increase in Trichophyton rubrum prevalence, especially in groin and glabrous skin infections, over the study period.
• Shifting patterns in dermatophyte epidemiology, with some species increasing while others decline, require further investigation into underlying causes.