Dermatophytosis in Tulugudu Island, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of dermatophytoses in children in a geographically restricted area in the Ethiopian countryside, and to determine the aetiological agents of these infections. Demographical and clinical-dermatological data were collected from all children 4-15 years of age on Tulugudu Island, Southern Ethiopia. Mycological specimens were taken and species identification determined through morphological observations and biochemical tests, complemented with sequencing of rDNA ITS2 region when necessary. Of 171 children, 96% shared combs, 85% shared beds and 97% had animal contact. Family size was > 5 persons in 50% of the test subjects and prevalence of tinea capitis was elevated in this group (P < 0.005). Dermatophytoses were clinically diagnosed in 136 cases (79.5%). Tinea capitis (T. capitis) was the most common manifestation with 104 cases (76.5%). T. capitis was combined with dermatophytic infections at other sites in 19 cases. Tinea faciae and Tinea corporis were found in four and two cases, respectively, and pediculosis capitis was diagnosed in 2.9% of the test subjects. Of 135 samples from hair (n = 112), skin (n = 19) and finger-nail (n = 4), 74.1% were microscopy-positive for dermatophytes, 73% were positive in culture, giving an overall prevalence of dermatophytoses in 57.3% of all children examined. Trichophyton violaceum was identified in 80.6% of cultures, Trichophyton verrucosum in 16.3% and Trichophyton tonsurans in 2.0%. One isolate was identified as a white variant of T. violaceum. Tinea capitis was highly prevalent in children on Tulugudu Island, Southern Ethiopia. The anthropophilic species T. violaceum dominated as an aetiological agent. Zoophilic dermatophytes were relatively rarely isolated from clinical specimens, despite the children's frequent contact with animals.

Tinea capitis in schoolchildren in southern Ivory Coast

“…7,12 The present prevalence of 13.9% is comparable with those previously documented among schoolchildren in other countries, such as Ethiopia (16.0%), 15 Mozambique (11.6%), 16 and Nigeria (11.3%). 7,12 The present prevalence of 13.9% is comparable with those previously documented among schoolchildren in other countries, such as Ethiopia (16.0%), 15 Mozambique (11.6%), 16 and Nigeria (11.3%).…”

“…18 In the present study, 2458 of the 2645 (92.9%) samples obtained allowed for the isolation of fungi after culture. 8,11,12,15 Dermatophyte infection of the scalp was more common in males than females. The prevalence rate mentioned in this survey may reflect an underestimation because it does not take into account asymptomatic carriers, who may represent a significant reservoir of infection.…”

Prevalence of tinea capitis in Ethiopian schoolchildren

“…The high level of concomitant dermatological affections in BTES compared with MOA probably also reflected the contrast in hygiene and overcrowding as well. High prevalence of pediculosis has been reported from Ethiopia before, 16 but in a recent study in the island Tulugudu in south‐east Ethiopia pediculosis frequency was only 2.9%, probably reflecting a relatively high level of hygiene in spite of the poor socio‐economic level 3…”

Dermatophytosis, Trends in Epidemiology and Diagnostic Approach

“…In Senegal, in a study performed at Le Dantec Hospital from 2007 to 2011 TC was the most prevalent clinical form [59]. The main species isolated were T. soudanense (52.78 %), followed by T. rubrum [60,61]. Ethiopia has a young population (44 % younger than 15 years, data from 2001), and the impact of this on the infection rate is high since children are mainly affected by TC.…”