The part of a hospital dermatologist - Prevention of Trichophyton tonsurans infection

Abstract

Trichophyton tonsurans infection was found first in autumn 2000 in Gifu prefecture and spread rapidly in the Tokai region. Not only direct KOH examination but also culture is necessary to diagnose this disease. In order to collect a specimen, I recommend cellophane adhesive tape. During the past 5 years, dermatologists in the Tokai area have sent me specimens in an envelope for mycological examination. Hyphae were found in all 75 cases in the scales examined. Fungal culture revealed 61 cases to be T. tonsurans infection; the male:female ratio was 54:7. By age distribution, high school students accounted for 46 (75%), elderly patients 9 (15%) and lower age 6 (10%). Judo players accounted for 32 (52%), wrestlers for 24 (39%) and others for 5 (8%). Most had lesions on the face, neck, head or arm. One wrestler had a nail involvement. In some specimens from tinea corporis, hyphae in the hair shaft were observed. This sort of tinea epidemic probably occurs more often than is reported. Therefore we have begun to cooperate with a medical department member of the Gifu Judo Society to prevent of T. tonsurans infection.