An epidemiological study of Tinea capitis in patients attending a tertiary care hospital

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Original Article

Author Details : Vikas Chandra Yadav, Mohammad Zoyev Khan, Sujan Narayan Agrawal

Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 489-492

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Abstract

Background: Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) is the most common dermatophyte infection of the scalp affecting mainly children and rarely adults. The epidemiology of Tinea capitis varies within different geographical areas throughout the world. It may occur sporadically or epidemically and an increase in its incidence has been noted over the last few decades.
Objective: To study the pattern of various species of dermatophytes causing Tinea capitis, to find out the incidence of various clinical types and to study the epidemiology of Tinea capitis.
Methods: Present study was hospital based cross sectional study. It was carried out for a period of four years at Department of Microbiology. Patients presenting with scalp lesion suspected to be Tinea capitis in the out-patient departments of Dermatology department and giving due consent for the study were sent for detailed history and examination. Those not willing to participate in the study were not included in the study. 75 patients were confirmed as Tinea capitis and they were included in the study.
Results: The commonest age group affected was 0-7 years (36%). Prevalence of Tinea capitis was almost equal in both the sexes. Male to female ratio was 1.02:1. Out of 75 clinically diagnosed cases, 68% were positive in direct examination and 74.66% were positive by culture method. 94% of cases were positive in direct examination but negative in culture. The most common clinical type was Seborrheic in 58.66%. 52% of cases were found to be of endothrix type of hair invasion. T. violaceum was the species observed most frequently. Black dot pattern was caused mainly by T. violaceum.
Conclusion: Trichophyton violaceum was the commonest cause of Tinea capitis and this was supported by observations of different workers from different regions of India and from other parts of the world. The pediatric age groups, low socioeconomic status, living conditions were the important factors influencing the disease.

Keywords: Tinea capitis, Dermatophyte, Scalp, Children

How to cite : Yadav V C, Khan M Z, Agrawal S N, An epidemiological study of Tinea capitis in patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Indian J Microbiol Res 2016;3(4):489-492

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