Background: Tinea capitis is a dermatophytosis that predominantly affects the pediatric age. A retrospective epidemiological study on patients affected by tinea capitis seen at the Dermatologie Clinic of the University of Catania was performed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of tinea capitis among dermatophytosis, the responsible pathogenic agents and the presence of favorable factors. Methods: During the period January 1990-December 2000, 614 patients (379 M/235 F; age: 2 months - 77 years) affected by tinea capitis were observed. Results: Children were most commonly affected (96%), with a predominance in males. In adults (4%) tinea capitis was more frequently observed among females. Clinically, the non inflammatory forms were predominant (microsporic and trichophytic tinea capitis) (86.5%), while kerion was observed in 13.5% of cases. The most common etiologic agent was Microsporum canis (83%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10.3%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.5%), Microsporum gypseum (3%) and Trichophyton violaceum (0.2%). Conclusions: In the province of Catania, tinea capitis is a frequent dermatosis, representing 17% among all dermatophytosis, with a constant incidence over the considered period of observation.
Studio retrospettivo-epidemiologico della tinea capitis nella provincia di Catania nel periodo gennaio 1990 - dicembre 2000 [Tinea capitis in the province of Catania (Italy): A retrospective epidemiological study
MICALI, Giuseppe
2002-01-01
Abstract
Background: Tinea capitis is a dermatophytosis that predominantly affects the pediatric age. A retrospective epidemiological study on patients affected by tinea capitis seen at the Dermatologie Clinic of the University of Catania was performed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of tinea capitis among dermatophytosis, the responsible pathogenic agents and the presence of favorable factors. Methods: During the period January 1990-December 2000, 614 patients (379 M/235 F; age: 2 months - 77 years) affected by tinea capitis were observed. Results: Children were most commonly affected (96%), with a predominance in males. In adults (4%) tinea capitis was more frequently observed among females. Clinically, the non inflammatory forms were predominant (microsporic and trichophytic tinea capitis) (86.5%), while kerion was observed in 13.5% of cases. The most common etiologic agent was Microsporum canis (83%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (10.3%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.5%), Microsporum gypseum (3%) and Trichophyton violaceum (0.2%). Conclusions: In the province of Catania, tinea capitis is a frequent dermatosis, representing 17% among all dermatophytosis, with a constant incidence over the considered period of observation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
