Prevalence of tinea capitis among schoolchildren in Iraq.

A school survey of 4461 primary-school children was carried out. The epidemiological, clinical and mycological features of tinea capitis were recorded. Of 204 clinically diagnosed cases, mycological examination of hair and scalp scrapings gave positive results in 120, a prevalence of 2.7%. Of these 120, 56 were from urban schools and 64 from rural schools. The male to female ratio was 2:1. The prevalence of tinea capitis was higher in children with a low socioeconomic profile, i.e. low standard of living, poor hygiene, low level of parental education and overcrowded living conditions. Intrafamilial infection was found in 27.5% of cases and new settlers to the area accounted for 23.3% of total cases.