Clinical characteristics of dermatophytosis among children in a Nigerian population: role of HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common superficial mycosis. It affects virtually every child at one stage or the other; but the disease may be more frequent in individuals with immunocompromising conditions.The typical characteristic of the rash is an annular; popular rash with a healing centre and an active periphery that may have an erythematous base and it occurs in different parts of the body.Aims:To elicit the clinical characteristics of dermatophytosis among children with HIV/AIDS. Methods:Two hundred each of HIV sero-positive and sero-negative children were evaluated for dermatophytosis (and its clinical types) and the possible role of HIV was examined.Results: Thirty-two (16) seropositive and 24(12) sero-negative children had dermatophytosis (P = 0.086).Tinea capitis was the most prevalent among the sero-positive and was the only type seen among the sero-negative subjects. Dermatophytosis was significantly more prevalent among those with more advanced clinical stage of HIV (p = 0.000). Children in 5 - 12 year age bracket were more affected in both groups. Conclusion: Tinea capitis was the most frequent type of dermatophytosis in the study; followed by tinea corporis. Children in 5 - 12 year age bracket were more affected in both groups. Occurrence of dermatophytosis was significantly influenced by the stage of HIV disease but not by HIV status