Spread of Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. gran. infection to man.

Abstract

The occurrence of T. mentagrophytes var. gran. infection of small mammals in their natural habitat was studied. The most common host of the exoanthropic mammals was Clethrionomys glareolus (bank vole); the next most common hosts were hemisynanthropes Sorex araneus (common shrew) and eusynathropes Mus musculus (common mouse). Occurrence of infection increased during the winter months. Because small mammals gather in farm outbuilding during cold weather, man is more likely to be exposed to infection from them during this time. Infection from T. mentagrophytes var. gan. is more likely to occur among agricultural workers than among others. The type of work influences the location of skin infection.