Ringworm of the scalp in primary-school children in Alexandria: infection and carriage.

A total of 510 children from a primary school in Alexandria were examined for tinea capitis, and samples were taken from their scalps. Specimens were examined by direct microscopy and were cultured. Diagnosis was by clinical and mycological findings. Clinical evidence of pediculosis capitis was found in 54.1% of children, more commonly in girls. Dermatophytes were isolated from 7.4% of scalp samples (2.9% confirmed cases, 4.5% carriers). A further 2% were suspected cases as they were negative by mycology. Most of the children were under 10 years and none was aware of having the infection. All isolates were identified as Trichophyton violaceum.