Are mosque carpets' reservoirs for fungi causing superficial foot mycosis? A cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Microorganism diversity and contamination risk in mosque rosaries and carpets

BACKGROUND

Inevitably, the floors of mosques are contaminated with microorganisms, and the risk of pathogen transmission is probably high between the many visitors, but the issue has been infrequently studied.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate microorganism variety and risk of contamination on commonly used carpets and rosaries (prayer beads).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTINGS

Mosques.

METHODS

This study was carried out in three different cities of Turkey in 2023, focusing on mosques located around hospitals. Forty mosques were included in the study and from each mosque 10 samples were collected from various parts of carpets and rosaries. The number of positive culture isolates were identified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diversity and distribution of microorganisms isolated from mosque carpets and rosaries; methicillin-resistance rates in Staphylococci.

SAMPLE SIZE

400 samples.

RESULTS

Growth was observed in 368 (92%) of 400 samples examined. The microorganisms isolated in the highest number were methicillin-susceptible coagulase negative Staphylococci (MSCoNS) (59.8%), Microcooccus (41%) and diphtheroids (31.3%). The rates of total growth (P=.001), including diphtheroids (P=.018), methicillin-resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (P=.001), Bacillus spp. (P=.036) and Aspergillus spp. (P=.002) rates were significantly higher in the rosary samples than carpet samples. At mosques in Tokat, a province center, 4 samples were positive for Acinetobacter baumannii, two samples were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one sample for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and these were isolated from rosaries. 0.3% of Staphylococcus isolates were MRSA.

CONCLUSION

As there is a high risk of contamination of carpets and prayer beads on the mosque floor with human flora, the use of appropriate hygiene practices is necessary. We also found some emerging bacteria in addition to the normal human flora.

LIMITATIONS

Our study was conducted in three provinces. Further studies might cover a wider geography.

Microsporum gypseum Infection Among Two Related Families With a Zoonotic Aspect: A Prospective Case Series

Background and purpose The Microsporum gypseum complex is a globally distributed group of geophilic dermatophytes that primarily affect animals but can also rarely cause dermatomycoses in humans. With some regional and occupational variations, tinea corporis is the most prevalent presentation of the infection. The aim of this study was to report on the diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis cases among related families, and their pets, from southern Saudi Arabia. Up-to-date information on dermatophytes and dermatophytosis is needed. Methods This is a prospective case series undertaken at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. Six patients with suspected dermatophytosis were received at our hospital in 2022 and have been followed for recovery with or without scars. Characteristics of fungal pathogens were examined phenotypically on the basis of microscopic and growth characteristics, and laboratory data were used to initiate treatment with oral fluconazole, topical terbinafine cream, or oral itraconazole. Results Clinical features and culture results confirmed tinea capitis and tinea corporis caused by M. gypseum, which was also present in a pet cat. Tinea capitis cases (n = 4) did not respond to fluconazole and terbinafine treatment, but treatment with itraconazole resulted in a full recovery. Tinea corporis cases (n = 2) were treated with terbinafine, which resulted in a full recovery within four weeks, with no signs of scarring. Conclusions M. gypseum presents with serious persistent lesions and is extremely contagious. Treatment is durable but challenging, and breaking the transmission chain is more difficult.

The March Against Onychomycosis: A Systematic Review of the Sanitization Methods for Shoes, Socks, and Textiles

Drug-based treatment of superficial fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, is not the only defense. Sanitization of footwear such as shoes, socks/stockings, and other textiles is integral to the prevention of recurrence and reduction of spread for superficial fungal mycoses. The goal of this review was to examine the available methods of sanitization for footwear and textiles against superficial fungal infections. A systematic literature search of various sanitization devices and methods that could be applied to footwear and textiles using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE was performed. Fifty-four studies were found relevant to the different methodologies, devices, and techniques of sanitization as they pertain to superficial fungal infections of the feet. These included topics of basic sanitization, antifungal and antimicrobial materials, sanitization chemicals and powder, laundering, ultraviolet, ozone, nonthermal plasma, microwave radiation, essential oils, and natural plant extracts. In the management of onychomycosis, it is necessary to think beyond treatment of the nail, as infections enter through the skin. Those prone to onychomycosis should examine their environment, including surfaces, shoes, and socks, and ensure that proper sanitization is implemented.