Dermatomycosis caused by Trichophyton verrucosum in mother and child

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an epidemiological renaissance of zoophilic dermatophytoses caused by a variety of factors. At present, the most important causative organisms are Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum and, as in the present case, Trichophyton verrucosum. These are formerly notifiable pathogens which are highly virulent and contagious. The example of an extensive, originally unrecognized tinea corporis et faciei in mother and child presented here shows the current importance of Trichophyton verrucosum, but also the diagnostic difficulties in dealing with a formerly rare infection disease. The inflammatory symptoms of deep trichophytosis with imminent danger of scar formation was the basis of synergistic combination therapy in the two patients. The source of infection for zoophilic dermatomycosis at the beginning of the epidemiological increase were looked for almost exclusively in Mediterranean countries. However, there are now increased indications of indigenous pools. In view of the neglect of consistent immunization of livestock and the lack of a requirement to notify the disease, a further rise in the number of cases in humans is to be expected.