CLINICOMYCOLOGICAL STUDY OF TINEA CAPITIS

• Published in: Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences Vol. 5; no. 84; pp. 6257 - 6263
• Main Authors: Reddy, D. Subash, Prasad, J.V.D.S, Prasad, K. Narasimha, Yashwanth, T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited 20.10.2016
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Development and progression; Prevalence studies (Epidemiology); Ringworm
• ISSN: 2278-4748; 2278-4802
• DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2016/1415

BACKGROUND Dermatomycosis is a superficial skin disease caused by the species of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton which are highly specialised parasites interrelated by their common morphological features and physiological adaptations to a parasitic mode of existence on keratinised tissue of man and animal. Tinea capitis, ringworm of the scalp and is of worldwide distribution. While most species of Trichophyton and Microsporum can cause Tinea capitis, it is interesting that Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton concentricum and Trichophyton interdigitale never cause Tinea capitis. It was found that the incidence of Tinea capitis was more in South India than North India and was more common in males than females and the commonest age group was 1-10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Suspected cases of Tinea capitis, attending the Department of DVL, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad for a period of eight months, from October 2015 to May 2016 were included in the present study. A detailed history was taken and complete clinical examination was done in all the patients and the details were recorded in the proforma enclosed. Later all the cases were subjected to direct microscopic examination (10% KOH) and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium, and the results were recorded in the proforma. RESULTS Of the 708 patients with dermatophytosis, who attended the DVL Department of Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad during the period of study, 100 cases were of Tinea capitis which gives a prevalence of 14.12%. 93 out of 100 patients belonged to 1-12 years age group i.e. prepubertal children and only one patient was beyond 18 years. Coming to the incidence of sex in present series, out of 100 patients 49 (49%) were males and 51% females with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. Majority of patients in present series were school children i.e. 86 out of 100, 13 were preschool children and one adult female was housewife. Out of 100 cases, only 24 patients gave history of contact with dogs either in the house or outside. 32 out of 100 patients gave history of contact with Tinea infection among family members. 72 out of 100 had the disease for 2 weeks to 2 months. Only 6 (6%) patients had associated Tinea corporis lesion over the body. All the 100 patients had the symptom of hair loss, though the severity varied from case to case. Only 31 (31%) patients complained of itching and all the 15 patients with kerion experienced pain. All the four types of clinical manifestation described in Tinea capitis were seen in the present study. Grey scaly type predominated 51 (51%) with cases followed by Black dot type with 30 (30%) cases, Kerion 15 (15%) and agminate folliculitis (4%) cases. CONCLUSION Trichophyton violaceum was found to be the commonest species (44.90%) followed by T. rubrum (28.57%), T. mentagrophytes 12.24%; species of the Microsporum 2.05%, and Epidermophyton were not encountered in present study. 90.7% of them belonged to socially and economically backward sections who live in overcrowded and congested areas. Common usage of combs and towels was present among family members in all cases. It is suggested that more number of studies of similar nature may throw some more light in this direction. KEYWORDS Tinea Capitis, Trichophyton, KOH Mount, Wood's Lamp.