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Trichophyton tonsurans infection in Tainan area
1Department of Dermatology, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan R.O.C.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Trichophyton tonsurans infections, a common cause of tinea capitis in other countries, are increasingly reported in Tainan, Taiwan. Dermatologists should be aware of this emerging fungal infection in adults and children.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Trichophyton tonsurans (T. tonsurans) is a prevalent cause of tinea capitis in North America and Mexico.
- Historically, T. tonsurans infections have not been documented in Taiwan.
- Other dermatophytes like Trichophyton violaceum (T. violaceum) are common in different global regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first documented cases of T. tonsurans infection in Taiwan.
- To describe the clinical presentation and demographics of these infections.
- To alert medical professionals to the rising incidence of T. tonsurans.
Main Methods:
- Clinicomycologic study.
- Diagnosis confirmed by fungal culture.
- Case identification over a 13-month period (May 1991-June 1992) in Tainan.
Main Results:
- Eight culture-proven cases of T. tonsurans infection were identified.
- Six cases presented as tinea capitis, and two as tinea corporis.
- A predominance of adult females (median age 58) was observed, along with one child case.
- An increasing frequency of T. tonsurans infections was noted over the preceding two years.
Conclusions:
- T. tonsurans is an emerging etiologic agent for fungal infections in Taiwan.
- Dermatologists should consider T. tonsurans in the differential diagnosis of tinea infections.
- Anticipate a potential increase in T. tonsurans infections in Taiwan and surrounding areas.