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Trichophyton rubrum as the causative agent of tinea capitis in three children
Abstract:
Tinea capitis, which is caused by Trichophyton rubrum, is only rarely described in medical literature. Incidence of this disease appears to lie well below 1% in Europe. Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton tonsurans are the predominant causative agents discussed here. In April 1993 T. rubrum was isolated from typical pathological changes to the capillitium area in three children from a Nigerian family, who had been living in Germany for 3 years. All three children revealed multiple, round or irregularly formed, partially infiltrated, partially pustular, hairless areas measuring up to 2 cm in diameter and covered with tightly clinging scales. The children's parents did not suffer from any dermatological complaints. The oldest child had had these pathological changes for about 5 months, the other two for a shorter length of time. Therapy with 10 mg kg(-1) body weight of griseofulvin led to rapid recovery over a period of 4 weeks.
Insights
Trichophyton rubrum rarely causes tinea capitis, but was identified in three children in Germany. Treatment with griseofulvin resulted in rapid recovery within four weeks.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp.
- Commonly caused by Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton tonsurans.
- Trichophyton rubrum is a rare cause of tinea capitis, particularly in Europe.
Observation:
- Three children of Nigerian descent, residing in Germany, presented with tinea capitis.
- Clinical presentation included multiple, round to irregular, hairless patches with infiltrated and pustular elements, and scaling.
- Lesions measured up to 2 cm in diameter and had been present for varying durations.
Findings:
- Trichophyton rubrum was isolated as the causative agent from the affected children.
- The children's parents were asymptomatic, suggesting a possible transmission route or differing susceptibility.
- Therapy with griseofulvin (10 mg/kg/day) achieved complete resolution in 4 weeks.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Trichophyton rubrum to cause tinea capitis, even in non-endemic regions.
- It underscores the importance of considering less common pathogens in the diagnosis of scalp infections.
- Successful griseofulvin treatment suggests its efficacy for T. rubrum-induced tinea capitis.