M Ghannoum1, N Isham, R Hajjeh, M Cano, F Al-Hasawi, D Yearick, J Warner, L Long, C Jessup, B Elewski. 1. Center for Medical Mycology and Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-5028, USA. MAG3@PO.CWRU.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, is of increasing public health importance, and Trichophyton tonsurans has become the primary causative agent in North America. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of dermatophyte-positive scalp cultures among elementary schoolchildren in Cleveland, Ohio, describe predisposing factors, and measure the antifungal susceptibility of isolates collected. OBSERVATIONS: A total of 937 children from 8 Cleveland elementary schools were cultured for the presence of dermatophytes; 122 children (13%), all of whom were African American, had dermatophyte-positive cultures of the scalp. Sixty percent of cases were asymptomatic, indicating a carrier state. Race, scaling, and the use of anti-dandruff shampoo were associated with increased likelihood of infection. T tonsurans was the only organism isolated (except 1 Microsporum canis isolate). All isolates were susceptible to fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine. CONCLUSIONS: T tonsurans was the predominant dermatophyte isolated. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm the predominance of dermatophyte-positive scalp cultures among African American children and to determine modifiable and preventable risk factors.
BACKGROUND:Tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, is of increasing public health importance, and Trichophyton tonsurans has become the primary causative agent in North America. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of dermatophyte-positive scalp cultures among elementary schoolchildren in Cleveland, Ohio, describe predisposing factors, and measure the antifungal susceptibility of isolates collected. OBSERVATIONS: A total of 937 children from 8 Cleveland elementary schools were cultured for the presence of dermatophytes; 122 children (13%), all of whom were African American, had dermatophyte-positive cultures of the scalp. Sixty percent of cases were asymptomatic, indicating a carrier state. Race, scaling, and the use of anti-dandruff shampoo were associated with increased likelihood of infection. T tonsurans was the only organism isolated (except 1 Microsporum canis isolate). All isolates were susceptible to fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine. CONCLUSIONS: T tonsurans was the predominant dermatophyte isolated. Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm the predominance of dermatophyte-positive scalp cultures among African American children and to determine modifiable and preventable risk factors.
Authors: Zhongsheng Tong; Fred Widmer; Tania C Sorrell; Zofia Guse; Katrina A Jolliffe; Catriona Halliday; Ok Cha Lee; Fanrong Kong; Lesley C Wright; Sharon C A Chen Journal: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Date: 2007-03-19 Impact factor: 5.191
Authors: Shelley S Magill; Liliana Manfredi; Andrew Swiderski; Bernard Cohen; William G Merz Journal: J Clin Microbiol Date: 2006-12-06 Impact factor: 5.948