Sexually transmitted ringworm reported in the United States

T. mentagrophytes is a common type of fungus that can cause ringworm in humans as well as other animals. Cats, dogs and other pets.

“It is one of the most common causes of ringworm, a contagious fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails.” Bindu Bharani, MDThe infectious disease specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center was not involved in the study.

It can also cause athlete's foot, tinea cruris and barber's ringworm, she told Healthline.

T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII is a specific type of this bacterium. Sexually transmitted diseasesAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Case Study T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII has also been reported in other parts of the world, Southeast Asia and Europe.

In a report released on June 5, JAMA DermatologyKaplan and his colleagues describe the first documented case in the United States of this sexually transmitted fungus.

The case involved a man in his 30s from New York City who developed an itchy rash on his genitals, buttocks, hands and feet after returning from traveling to the United Kingdom, Greece and California.

The man “had multiple male sexual partners during his trip, none of whom had a similar infection, and he had visited a sauna two months before the onset of the skin lesions,” the researchers wrote.

Genetic testing identifies the bacteria causing the rash T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII.

The man was treated with the antifungal drug fluconazole for four weeks, which did not help, and then with the antifungal drugs terbinafine and itraconazole, which improved his condition.

Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, MarylandThis type of rash can look like tinea cruris or tinea pediatrics, which typically appear as patches of dry, scaly skin, said Dr. Ian McGrath, an infectious disease specialist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago Medicine who was not involved in the study.

The researchers say this type of infection: Worsening eczema Than ringworm infections, which cause characteristic circular patterns to appear on the skin.

The infection is not fatal, but it can leave permanent scarring, the researchers added.

Balani said fungal infections of the skin are commonly treated with topical antifungal creams, lotions or gels, but more severe infections or those that affect the hair or nails may require oral antifungal medication.

But, she said, “In some cases, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII can Resistant It's different from standard antifungal treatment.”

nevertheless T. mentagrophytes Hazra said genotype VII is harder to treat and the infection can take months to clear, but in the United States the bacteria still responds well to treatment.

“Anyone who is worried about an STI should be aware of this, especially if they think the rash may not get better,” he said, “but regular antifungal medications have a rapid effect on this.”

Balani agrees that people shouldn't be overly worried about the infection. “There's only one known case, so [in the United States]”There's no evidence that this is widespread and there's no evidence that the public needs to be concerned,” she said.

But “if you have an itchy rash in areas such as the groin that doesn't improve or is resistant to regular fungal treatments, you may need to see a medical professional,” she said.

People may also need to see a medical professional if the rash appears several weeks after sexual activity or after traveling to Southeast Asia or Europe, where diagnoses of the fungus are on the rise, she said.

The only way to diagnose T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII is found through fungal sampling/scraping, she said.

“If you're diagnosed with this particular fungus, it's a good idea to also get tested for other STIs,” she says.

Additionally, “if you have a rash accompanied by symptoms that affect not just the skin but the whole body, such as fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, you should seek medical attention,” Barani said.

Balani offered these general tips for dealing with fungal skin infections:

• Keep the area clean and dry to prevent fungal growth.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with animals or soil.

• Do not share personal items such as towels, combs, or brushes.
• Wear shoes in public places, this will help protect your feet from infection.

In a recent case study, researchers describe the first reported case of the sexually transmitted disease tinea pedis, which is caused by a specific fungus. Trichophyton mentagrophytes Type VII.

The case occurred in a New York City man who had traveled to England, Greece, and California and had developed a rash on his genitals, buttocks, hands, and feet upon returning home.

Cases caused by this organism occur in Southeast Asia and Europe, where drug resistance has been reported, but in the United States, the organism still responds well to state-of-the-art antifungal drugs.