Skin infections account for a significant portion of dermatologic diseases. Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissues are highly diverse with respect to incidence, etiologic organisms, and clinical manifestations. Most cases are potentially treatable, thus, it is vital for the clinician to become familiar with the cutaneous expression of local and systemic processes. The cutaneus infection in man includes wide variety of diseases in which the integument and its appendages, the hair and nail are involved. Infection is generally restricted to non living cornified layers but a variety of pathological changes occur in host because of presence of infectious agents and their metabolic products. The majority of infections are caused by homogenous group of keratophilic fungi called the dermatophytes. Dermatophytosis constitutes group of superficial fungal infections of keratinized tissue i.e. the epidermis, hair and nail. As dermatophytes thrive in hot, humid environments, many tropical and developing countries are facing an increase in dermatophyte infections. Specifically, India has encountered an enormous challenge due to an alarming increase in the number of chronic and recurrent dermatophyte infections. The tropical and subtropical climate of the country is particularly favorable for dermatophytes. Dermatophytosis constitutes 16 to 75% of all mycological infections. It is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries including India where heat and moisture play an important role in promoting growth of these fungi.
Author(s) Details:
G.K. Mangala
Department of Microbiology, J.J.M. Medical College, Davanagere – 577 004, India.
N.R. Chandrappa
Department of Microbiology, J.J.M. Medical College, Davanagere – 577 004, India.
Vijayanath
Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Davangere – 577 005, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Risk Factors for Dermatophytosis in Children
Epidemiology and Diagnostic Approach: This article discusses the changing epidemiology of dermatophytosis, highlighting how socioeconomic factors and increased travel have influenced the spread of dermatophytes. It notes that Trichophyton rubrum is the most common species worldwide, while Microsporum canis is prevalent in Mediterranean countries [1] .
Increase in Incidence and Antifungal Resistance: This review focuses on the rising incidence of dermatophyte infections and the associated antifungal resistance. It emphasizes the importance of molecular analysis for accurate diagnosis and the need for antifungal susceptibility testing to combat resistant infections [2] .
Skin and Hair Dermatophytoses in Children: A cross-sectional study found higher infection rates among Black children compared to White and Hispanic children. This study underscores the importance of considering demographic factors in the prevalence of dermatophytosis [3] .
Risk Factors Among Children: This article examines the risk factors for dermatophytosis in children, particularly in developing nations. It highlights the chronic morbidity associated with superficial fungal infections and the need for better public health interventions [4] .
Global Trends and Public Health Concerns: This review summarizes the current status of dermatophyte infections globally, noting the increase in tinea capitis among young children in urban areas of Europe and America. It also discusses the public health implications of these trends [1] .
References
- Hayette, MP., Sacheli, R. Dermatophytosis, Trends in Epidemiology and Diagnostic Approach. Curr Fungal Infect Rep 9, 164–179 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12281-015-0231-4
- Kruithoff C, Gamal A, McCormick TS, Ghannoum MA. Dermatophyte Infections Worldwide: Increase in Incidence and Associated Antifungal Resistance. Life. 2024; 14(1):1. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14010001
- Hill, R.C., Caplan, A.S., Elewski, B. et al. Expert Panel Review of Skin and Hair Dermatophytoses in an Era of Antifungal Resistance. Am J Clin Dermatol 25, 359–389 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-024-00848-1
- Haro, M., Alemayehu, T., & Mikiru, A. (2023). Dermatophytosis and its risk factors among children visiting dermatology clinic in Hawassa Sidama, Ethiopia. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 8630.
To Read the Complete Chapter See Here