Epidemiology, evaluation and management of tinea pedis

Tinea pedis, known as athletics foot, is defined as a dermatophyte infection leading to a condition called dermatophytosis. Usually, the mode of infection is fungal. Trichophyton rubrum is the most common organism which is responsible for the infection. This fungus is endemic in some geographical regions as in Asia and Africa. The mode of transmission and risk factors depends on several factors: the weather, type of clothes and shoes, body response to different organisms, present history, family history, and endemic geographical areas. Increased temperature and humidity were correlated in the literature to the increased incidence and prevalence of tinea pedis compared to those areas which have low temperature, wearing specific types of shoes or clothes might be associated with an increased rate of infection, especially if the shoes are adherent to the foot and occlusive, prolonged exposure to humidity and water was also shown to be among the causes for tinea pedis infections. The clinical presentation of tinea pods varies according to the site and severity of infection. Generally, antifungal drugs are effective in most cases. The application of antifungals may be in oral form or local form, or mixed form. Terbinafine was proven to be effective in mild cases to fully treat the infection within a period of one week, extending to four weeks in more aggressive cases. This was a brief look at the article. This article aimed to review tinea pedis from different prospections clinically.

Tineа Corporis with Trichophyton Rubrum Mimicking a Flare-Up of Psoriasis UnderTreatment with IL17-Inhibitor Ixekizumab

Biologics, as IL17 inhibitors, are frequently prescribed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Although mucocutaneous candida infections are a well-known side effect of IL-17 inhibitors, there is no data about dermatophyte infection under this therapy. Generalized tinea corporis can mimic the clinical picture of psoriasis, especially if concomitant treatment with topical corticosteroids is used. Therefore, physician should be aware of this differential diagnosis if they suspect a loss of efficacy of IL-17-inhibitors with a flare-up of psoriasis.

A STUDY OF CLINICALAND MYCOLOGICAL PROFILE OF TINEA INFECTIONS

INTRODUCTION: Dermatophytic infections, also known as ringworm, is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin around the world. The most common symptom seen with dermatophyte infection is pruritis. The varied presentation of tinea is often confusing with other skin diseases. It may be due to the irrational application of broad-spectrum steroid ointments and creams, leading to misdiagnosis and mismanagement. This study was begun to know the prevalence, clinical, and mycological prole of various dermatophytes OBJECTIVES OFTHE STUDY: 1.To study the prevalence of tinea infections. 2.To study the clinical presentation of patients with tinea infections. 3.To study the mycological prole of various tinea infections. METHODS: Clinical assessment was done, which include a detailed history, general physical examination, and examination of the lesion. After a complete review, the evaluation took place. Direct Microscopic Examination. Culture helps in the identication of species. CONCLUSION: To conclude, dermatophytosis is very common in India. It has been registered all over the world but with a different distribution, incidence, and epidemiology from location to location. Geographic location, climate, overcrowding, health care, immigration, personal and environmental hygiene, culture, and socioeconomic status have been attributed as major risk factors for these variations

Dermatophytes: role of host genetics in the development of illness

Because dermatophytes and their hosts are so different, infection susceptibility is most likely the consequence of changes on both sides, as well as reciprocal adaptation. In addition, some studies have revealed a role for host genetics in the development of illness, including possible Mendelian inheritance patterns for dermatophytosis tendency. This paper emphasizes the complexity of the genetic link between dermatophytes and their natural and accidental hosts. According to a literature study, different ideas and methodologies may lead to different interpretations of this connection. Selecting an appropriate model for analysis and reasoning is a critical step in better understanding these disorders. A significant portion of the research is focused on the host's genetic and immunological response to dermatophyte infection. Future studies will require a broader exploration of the dermatophyte genome in combination with analysis of large phenotypically well-characterized populations of various dermatophyte species in order to identify the main factors mediating infection risk that can be targeted to disrupt host–pathogen interactions and used in therapies. As a result, both conceptually and practically, extensive study on the interactions between dermatophytes and their specific hosts, which comprise intricate molecular pathways, is critical. However, it is undeniable that genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in the susceptibility to dermatophyte infection.

In vitro virulence evaluation of clinical and environmental isolates of dermatophyte fungi

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi and the causative agent of dermatophytosis in animals and people. In the pathogenesis of this disease, enzymes such as DNase, gelatinase, lipase, keratinase, elastase, and collagenase are highlighted. This work aimed to verify the production of these enzymes by clinical and environmental isolates of dermatophytes. Environmental strains were obtained by the Vanbreuseghem technique (1952), using soil samples from different Brazilian locations. The clinical samples were obtained from animal hair and crust sent to the Veterinary Microbiological Diagnostic Service/UFRRJ. The enzymatic evaluation of the dermatophytes was made by spectrophotometer absorbance readings (collagenase, elastase, and keratinase), degradation halo formation in Petri dishes (DNase and lipase) and tube liquefaction (gelatinase). The clinical isolates were Microsporum canis (11), Nannizzia gypsea (7), N. nana (2), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (4) and Trichophyton sp. (6). The environmental isolates were N. gypsea (25), N. nana (1) and Trichophyton sp. (4). There was no statistically significant difference in keratinase, elastase, lipase and gelatinase production between the clinical and environmental isolates groups. There was a statistically significant difference in collagenase and DNase production. It is concluded that both clinical and soil samples are capable of producing enzymes related to dermatophyte infection.

Tinea Capitis by Microsporum canis in an Elderly Female with Extensive Dermatophyte Infection

Tinea capitis is a type of dermatophyte infection primarily affecting children. We report a case of an elderly woman with well-controlled diabetes mellitus presenting with a six-month history of erythema with yellow crusts on her scalp and extensive erythematous patches with scales on the body skin. She adopted a stray cat before the disease onset. Dermoscopic findings and manifestation under the Wood’s lamp favoured the diagnosis of tinea capitis. Further microscopic examinations of her scalp, including direct KOH and fluorescence stain examination, fungal culture and polymerase chain reaction sequencing identification confirmed the diagnosis of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis. Treatment with oral terbinafine was effective. Adult tinea capitis is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and atypical presentation. However, in some regions, the incidence of tinea capitis in immunocompetent adults is rising which requires the awareness of clinicians. A thorough history (including the animal contacting history), physical examination and further mycological examinations are required for diagnosis. Trichophyton violaceum is the most common dermatophyte species in most regions while adult tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis is less common. Terbinafine, griseofulvin and itroconazole have been reported to be effective drugs for the treatment of tinea capitis, and terbinafine can be considered as systemic treatment in elderly patients with comorbidities to reduce the drug–drug interaction.

Clinical patterns and epidemiological characteristics of dermatophyte infection in Malwa region of Punjab

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Although dermatophytes are found throughout the world, the most prevalent strains and the most common sites of infection vary by region. Hot, humid climates and overcrowding predispose populations to skin diseases; including tinea infections. This study highlights the clinical pattern and epidemiological characteristics of dermatophyte infection in the Malwa region of Punjab.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross sectional prospective study was carried out over a period of two years depending on pre-structured questionnaire on a total of 272 patients clinically suspected cases with dermatophyte infection. Socio-demographic and clinical information was collected and sample was taken. The collected samples were subjected to direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide and cultured on Sabourauds dextrose agar to identify the fungal species</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 272 patients were included in the study in which 147 were males and 125 were females. Occupation wise housewives were the most affected group constituting 114 cases. <em>Tinea corporis</em> was the most common type found in 159 cases and<em> Trichophyton mentagrophytes </em>was the most common isolated fungi. Maximum number of dermatophyte cases was in the age group of 21-30 years with 69 cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> In current research we observed that hot and humid environment of Malwa region of Punjab increases the prevalence of fungal infection especially in the month of June to September and the occupation of people also plays an important role in prevalence of infection. We also observed that dermatophyte fungal infection is more common in adult males as compare to females.</p>

Urticaria Pigmentosa Due to Microsporum canis Infection in a Sphynx Cat – Case Report

A two- year-old Sphynx cat, an unneutered female with multiple erythematous papules with hyperpigmentation was presented. In skin biopsy, in the dermis, well differentiated monomorphic mast cells were found. Fungal culture was positive for Microsporum canis. Diagnosis of urticaria pigmentosa following M. canis infection was made. The animal was successfully treated with itraconazole orally and shampoo containing chlorhexidine and miconazole. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of urticaria pigmentosa following the dermatophyte infection in a Sphynx cat.