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Geographical distribution of the dermatophytes: a review
Abstract:
In these days of rapid transit from continent to continent, and the increasing mobility of people, agents of disease are no longer geographically restricted. Disease contracted half way across the world may become manifest in a country in which the pathogen is not normally found. Thus knowledge of the geographical distribution of pathogens becomes increasingly important when a diagnosis is being made. This is as true of ringworm fungi as of any other group of microorganisms. In the last 12 years, in the Mycological Reference Laboratory, an increasing number of exotic dermatophytes have been seen, related in part at least to the great increase in the number of non-British residents. Not all species of dermatophytes are cosmopolitan in their distribution throughout the world. While some have been recorded from every continent, others have geographically limited areas of greater or lesser extent. Surveys taken at intervals in a country may show a rise and fall in occurrence of several species as habits change, populations move and medical facilities became increasingly well-distributed. There have been few geographical surveys of ringworm fungi that have covered the world. Ajello (1960, 1974) has reviewed the individual species with regard to geographical location, while Vanbreuseghem & de Vroey (1970) attempted to estimate the relative importance of the various species in terms of numbers of isolations reported. This paper therefore reviews the world dermatophyte flora in terms of the dominant agents in the various countries, and some of the changes that have been recorded.
Insights
Global travel increases the spread of ringworm fungi, making geographical distribution knowledge vital for diagnosis. This review examines dominant dermatophyte species worldwide and their changing prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Increased global travel and population mobility facilitate the spread of infectious agents, including dermatophytes, across geographical boundaries.
- The geographical distribution of ringworm fungi (dermatophytes) is not uniform; some species are cosmopolitan, while others have limited ranges.
- Changes in human habits, population movements, and improved medical facilities can influence the prevalence of dermatophyte species within a region over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the global dermatophyte flora, identifying dominant species in various countries.
- To document changes in the geographical distribution and prevalence of ringworm fungi.
- To highlight the importance of understanding pathogen distribution for accurate diagnosis in an era of global mobility.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and mycological records on dermatophyte distribution.
- Analysis of data from the Mycological Reference Laboratory, noting an increase in exotic dermatophytes.
- Synthesis of geographical surveys and species-specific reviews (e.g., Ajello, Vanbreuseghem & de Vroey).
Main Results:
- Certain dermatophyte species exhibit cosmopolitan distribution, while others are geographically restricted.
- An increase in exotic dermatophyte isolations has been observed, partly attributed to immigration.
- The study provides an overview of dominant dermatophyte agents across different countries and notes recorded changes in their occurrence.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the global distribution and changing patterns of dermatophyte species is crucial for effective diagnosis and public health.
- The mobility of human populations necessitates a dynamic approach to tracking fungal pathogens and their geographical spread.
- This review consolidates current knowledge on world dermatophyte flora, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance.
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