Trichophyton rubrum infection of the prepuce

Updates on Genital Dermatophytosis

Dermatophytes are a group of keratinophilic fungi, which normally cause superficial infection of skin, hair and nails. Based on ecology, they are classified into three groups: anthropophilic, zoophilic and geophilic. Superficial dermatophytic infection of the genital region is called genital dermatophytosis, tinea genitalis or pubo-genital dermatophytosis. In this review, we would like to discuss briefly, the various clinical presentations of genital dermatophytosis, current changes in the taxonomy and nomenclature, introduction of new diagnostic techniques and briefly describe some common dermatophytes and their sources. Also, there are serious concerns associated with the recent development of antifungal resistance among the dermatophytes. We are also facing the scenario of hard-to-treat dermatophytosis.

Tinea genitalis: a new entity of sexually transmitted infection? Case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Investigation on recent cases of tinea genitalis after travelling to South East Asia.

METHODS

Patients with tinea in the genital region, which emerged after sex in South East Asia, underwent further assessment including microscopy, cultures and DNA analyses.

RESULTS

The case series includes seven patients. In six patients, Trichophyton interdigitale (former Trichophyton mentagrophytes) was detected. Three patients suffered from a severe inflammatory reaction of the soft tissue and two of them needed hospitalisation due to severe pain. In four patients, cicatrising healing was noticed. Five patients were declared incapacitated for work.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual activity should be considered as a potentially important and previously underappreciated means of transmission of T. interdigitale. To avoid irreversible scarring alopecia, prompt initiation of antifungal treatment is essential and adequate isolation and identification of the pathogen is mandatory.