Epidemiological aspects of superficial fungal infections in Koranic schools in two localities of Senegal (Thies and Touba).

Background: In developing countries, superficial fungal infections (SFI) are endemic and cause a therapeutic problem because of the duration and cost of treatment. Community living and promiscuity are key factors in the direct or indirect transmission and spread of these diseases.

Objectives: The objective was to study the epidemiological aspects of SFI, among koranic school children in two localities in Senegal.

Patients/methods: School koranic students were recruited in Thies and Touba. Diagnosis of fungal diseases was carried out using conventional techniques (microscopic examination and culture).

Results: Among 210 children, the overall prevalence of SFI was 25.71%, with 27.63% in Touba and 20.68% in Thiès. The clinical lesions were epidermophytosis (0.5%), intertrigo (0.9%), palmoplantar keratoderma (KPP) (0.9%), onychomycosis (7.7%) and tinea capitis (TC) (90%). The species responsible for the SFI were Trichophyton soudanense (85.18%), Microsporum audouinii langeronii (9.25%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.70%) and Chrysosporium keratinophilum (1.85%). The prevalence of infection was higher among boys (85.18%).

Conclusion: Superficial fungal infections are prevalent in koranic school children and attention should be given to non-dermatophytic species that could be responsible for SFI.