Tinea capitis among primary school children in onitsha north and ogbaru local government areas of Anambra State, Nigeria.

Achufus, I J; Nwobu, R. A. U.; Okonkwo, Jennifer Chidera

doi:10.4314/jbi.v4i2.30412

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“…The finding of Trichophyton mentagrophyte (51.7%) followed by Microsporum aoudouinii (20.7%) as the most prevalent organism causing tinea capitis corroborates findings from recent studies in the south western and south eastern Nigeria, while studies from the north revealed different organisms ( M. ferrugineum and Trichophyton schoenleinii ). 13 , 14 , 20 , 25 , 26 Studies done prior to the year 2000 in Nigeria revealed that Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum aoudouinii are the prevailing organisms causing tinea capitis and dermatophyte infections. 27 , 28 In Ivory Coast, another West African country, Trichophyton soudanense was the most prevalent organism; 16 while in Ethiopia and Libya, Trichophyton violaceum was the most common organism.…”

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confidence: 99%

Prevalence of Tinea capitis infection among primary school children in a rural setting in south-west Nigeria

Ayanlowo

Akinkugbe

Oladele

et al. 2014

J Public Health Africa

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Dermatophyte infection is a common skin disorder. Tinea capitis, infection of the scalp and hair shaft, is the most common dermatophytosis in children aged between six months and pre-pubertal age. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, causative agents and to identify predisposing factors among primary school children in a rural community in Sagamu, Ogun state, Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Following a physical examination, children with a clinical diagnosis of tinea capitis had scalp and hair scrapings for microscopy and culture. Tinea capitis was confirmed in 15.4%. Trichophyton mentagrophyte (51.7%) and Microsporum aoudouinii (20.7%) were the most prevalent organisms in this study. The most common predisposing factors were carrying of objects on the scalp; sharing of hair clippers, scissors, combs, towels and fomites. Low socioeconomic status coupled with overcrowding and poor hygiene was the major determinant of tinea capitis among the children. Tinea capitis remains a common infection among Nigerian school children. Health promotion and health education interventions are recommended to promote good hygiene, better living conditions, early identification and treatment.

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