Epidemiology and Trends of Cutaneous Fungal Infections (2019–2022) in Israel: A Single Tertiary-Center Study

Abstract

Cutaneous fungal infections predominantly caused by dermatophytes are a global concern. These infections vary widely by region, age, and body site, with recent shifts in the pathogen distribution. This study examines the distribution and trends of superficial fungal infections in a large tertiary care center in Israel from 2019 to 2022. A retrospective analysis of 2244 patients with suspected fungal infections was performed, utilizing PCR and fungal cultures for diagnosis. Confirmed fungal infections were present in 53.0% of cases. In adults, infections predominantly affected the nails and feet, while in children, the scalp and nails were the most involved sites. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common pathogen overall, but T. tonsurans was the leading cause of scalp, face, and neck infections, as well as tinea corporis in children. T. tonsurans incidence significantly increased in adults and became the most frequent agent of upper-body tinea corporis by 2022. These findings highlight a shift in pathogen distribution, with T. tonsurans emerging as the leading cause of upper-body skin infections, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies and further investigation of its transmission routes.