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First case of rare, sexually transmitted form of tinea identified in the U.S.

June 7, 2024

Researchers describe the case of a man in his 30s who developed tinea on his groin, buttocks, and limbs after returning home to New York City from a trip to England, Greece, and California where he reported having sex with multiple men. Genetic tests of fungal samples collected from the patient revealed that the infection was caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII). (Edwards, 2024)

• This sexually transmitted form of tinea has been increasingly diagnosed throughout Europe, with 13 instances reported in France in 2023, mostly in men who have sex with men. (Caplan, 2024)
• This case report describes an American male patient with Trichophyton mentagrophytes internal transcribed spacer genotype VII resulting in tinea genitalis, glutealis, and corporis. (Caplan, 2024)
• The man reported having sex with multiple male partners during his travels, none of whom reported similar skin issues. Although the infection was most likely transmitted through sexual contact, study author says they couldn’t rule out the possibility that the man acquired the fungus at a sauna he’d visited two months prior to his symptoms. (Caplan, 2024; Edwards, 2024)
• The man’s infection responded to standard oral antifungal medications but ultimately took four and a half months to heal fully. He was treated with fluconazole for four weeks without improvement, then six weeks of terbinafine and approximately eight additional weeks of itraconazole. (Edwards, 2024)
• Such a rash may look more like an eczema flare than typical ringworm infections that form in circles, according to the case report's lead author. The infection is not life-threatening, but can cause permanent scarring. (Edwards, 2024)

Sources:

Caplan AS, et al. (2024, June 5). JAMA Dermatol. Potential Sexual Transmission of Tinea Pubogenitalis From TMVII. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38837127/

Edwards, Erika. (2024, June 5). NBC News. First case of rare, sexually transmitted form of ringworm reported in the U.S. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/first-case-rare-sexually-transmitted-fungal-infection-reported-us-rcna155275