AI Article Synopsis

  • Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton violaceum, and Trichophyton tonsurans are uncommon fungal pathogens in Germany primarily affecting travelers to tropical areas, prompting a study in Munich to analyze their clinical significance.
  • A retrospective analysis over nearly a decade involved over 87,000 swabs, finding that 2.1% were positive for these fungi, with T. tonsurans being the most prevalent, especially in young patients.
  • The findings highlight the importance of considering these rare infections, particularly Tinea capitis, in patients with relevant travel histories and potential exposure through social contact.

Article Abstract

Introduction: Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton violaceum, and Trichophyton tonsurans are considered rare pathogens in Germany. They are presumed to infect people from Germany when they are traveling to tropical and subtropical areas. The incidence and the mode of infection with these three fungal pathogens in Munich were investigated to assess their significance for clinical practice.

Methods: This monocentric study was conducted at a large European academic dermatology department in Munich from January 1, 2011, till August 30, 2020. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical data of all out- and inpatients presenting at our hospital with a suspected cutaneous fungal infection.

Results: A total of 87,229 swabs were collected from 48,916 patients; 11,513 (13.2%) cultures confirmed a fungal infection. One of the three aforementioned dermatophytes was detected in 247 (2.1%) samples. The average patient age was 15.5 years (0-84 years, SD: 15.6) at the time of infection. T. tonsurans was the confirmed pathogen in 137 (55.5%) samples with increasing frequency over time. T. tonsurans spread in 11 cases through close contact with humans (kindergarten, martial arts, accommodation for asylum seekers). T. violaceum was detected in 88 (35.6%) samples with a peak in 2016 and 2017. T. soudanense was detected in 22 (8.9%) samples. A total of 46.7% of all tinea capitis cases were caused by one of these pathogens.

Conclusion: In case of tinea capitis, a travel history should be performed and rare fungal infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000540360DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

trichophyton soudanense
8
soudanense trichophyton
8
trichophyton violaceum
8
violaceum trichophyton
8
trichophyton tonsurans
8
cutaneous fungal
8
fungal infections
8
infection three
8
tinea capitis
8
trichophyton
6

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!