Epidemiology of tinea capitis in Europe: Current state and changing patterns

PubMedID: 17681048Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is the most common dermatophyte infection of the scalp affecting mainly children and rarely adults. The epidemiology of tinea capitis varies within different geographical areas throughout the world. It may occur sporadically or epidemically and an increase in its incidence has been noted over the last few decades. The aim of the study is to obtain a general overview of the current state and changing pattern of tinea capitis in Europe. According to the literature, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of tinea capitis and a change in the pattern of infectious agents in particular. Microsporum canis, a zoophilic dermatophyte, is still the most common reported causative agent of tinea capitis in Europe. The countries reporting the highest incidence of M. canis infections are mainly in the Mediterranean but also bordering countries like Austria, Hungary, Germany and Poland. Besides the increase in Microsporum-induced tinea capitis, there is a shift towards anthrophilic tinea capitis mainly in urban areas in Europe. The largest overall increase with anthropophilic dermatophytes has been noted with Trichophyton tonsurans mainly in the UK and with Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum audouinii in France. The occurrence of anthropophilic infections seems to be geographically restricted and is possibly linked to the immigration from African countries. Children (aged 3-7 years with no predilection of gender) remain the most commonly affected, but recently an increase of tinea capitis has been observed in adults and in the elderly. The results of the study clearly demonstrate the importance of diagnosing and proper treatment of mycotic scalp infection in the Europe. If not diagnosed and treated properly, its prevalence might reach epidemic proportions in the near future. Therefore, an increased level of surveillance (screening in schools), and a highly effective interdisciplinary cooperation among general practitioners, mycologists, veterinarians and dermatologists are strongly recommended. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Microsporum audouinii tinea capitis in a Swiss school: assessment and management of patients and asymptomatic carriers

We report three cases involving 7- to 8-year-old children from a Swiss school who had refractory tinea capitis due to an unusual strain of Microsporum audouinii which perforates hair in vitro. The patients showed no response to modern oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine and fluconazole. After switching to oral griseofulvin, two of the patients had a complete recovery, while the third was cured after the introduction of oral itraconazole. Given the high potential for contagion of this anthropophilic dermatophyte, all family members and three entire school classes were screened using the 'toothbrush technique'. Three family members and five class-mates were found to be asymptomatic carriers of M. audouinii and were consequently treated to avoid further transmission or reinfection of the treated patients. This is the first report of an outbreak of M. audouinii in Switzerland and underlines the importance of screening all contacts of patients with M. audouinii tinea capitis. Further, the effectiveness of griseofulvin in Microsporum tinea capitis has been corroborated, while newer antimycotic drugs like fluconazole or terbinafine failed

Die Vulvovaginalkandidose (außer chronisch mukokutaner Kandidose). Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe (AWMF-Registernummer 015/072, S2k-Level, Dezember 2013)

Mendling W, Friese K, Mylonas I, et al. Vulvovaginal Candidosis (excluding chronic mucocutaneous candidosis). Guideline of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (AWMF Registry No. 015/072, S2k Level, December 2013). Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde. 2015;75(4):342-354

Corrigendum: Guideline: vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072), S2k (excluding chronic mucocutaneous candidosis) (vol 58, pg 1, 2015)

Mendling W, Brasch J, Cornely OA, et al. Corrigendum: Guideline: vulvovaginal candidosis (AWMF 015/072), S2k (excluding chronic mucocutaneous candidosis) (vol 58, pg 1, 2015). Mycoses . 2015;58(5):324

Tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp

Seebacher C, Abeck D, Brasch J, et al. Tinea capitis: ringworm of the scalp. Mycoses . 2007;50(3):218-226.The guideline tinea capitis, as passed by three German medical societies, is presented in the present study

Onychomycosis

Seebacher C, Brasch J, Abeck D, et al. Onychomycosis. Mycoses . 2007;50(4):321-327.The guideline on onychomycosis, as passed by the responsible German medical societies, is presented in the present study