Itraconazole responsive tinea capitis in an HIV-infected child

Tinea capitis has not been reported to be a prevalent or serious affliction in pediatric patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report tinea capitis due to Microsporum canis in a boy infected with HIV. After failing conventional therapy, he was treated successfully with a four-week course of itraconazole. His immunologic status improved during therapy. The possible relationship of this response to the ultimate resolution of disease is discussed.