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Tinea capitis in the Florence area between 1985 and 1993
M Flammia1, P Vannini, E M Difonzo
1Department of Dermatology, Florence University, Italy.
Mycoses
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Tinea capitis, a common scalp infection, was studied in 203 patients. Microsporum canis was the most frequent cause, with a notable resurgence of Trichophyton violaceum in African immigrants.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Mycology
Background:
- Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp.
- Understanding its epidemiology is crucial for public health.
- Previous data on dermatophytosis in Italy may be outdated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological findings of tinea capitis.
- To identify the etiological agents of scalp dermatophytosis.
- To investigate trends in fungal infections over a 9-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 203 tinea capitis cases.
- Inclusion of 7 additional scalp dermatophytosis cases.
- Data collected from 1985 to 1993 at the University of Florence.
Main Results:
- Tinea capitis was the fourth most common dermatophytosis.
- Microsporum canis was the predominant etiological agent.
- Twelve cases of Trichophyton violaceum were identified in African immigrants, a significant finding as it was thought to be eradicated.
Conclusions:
- Microsporum canis remains a primary cause of tinea capitis.
- The reappearance of Trichophyton violaceum in specific populations highlights changing epidemiological patterns.
- Continued surveillance of dermatophytosis is necessary.