obsolete Microsporum gypseum tinea capitis

Tinea Capitis Caused by Microsporum Gypseum

Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a superficial fungal infection that affects children and adolescents. The description of this condition caused by Microsporum gypseum is characterized by:

• Localized alopecia: A circular or oval-shaped area of hair loss on the scalp, often accompanied by scaling and redness.
• Scalp lesions: Small, round, or oval-shaped patches of skin that are scaly, crusty, or have a characteristic "ring" shape.
• Hair shafts: Broken or fragmented hair shafts can be seen under microscopic examination.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tinea capitis is a relatively rare entity among infants less than one year old [11]. However, it is still a common infection among children and adolescents, particularly those between 3-7 years of age [10].

Microsporum gypseum is a type of dermatophyte fungus that can cause various fungal infections of the skin, including tinea capitis and

Characteristics of Obsolete Microsporum gypseum Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum gypseum, a type of dermatophyte fungus, presents with distinct signs and symptoms. According to various sources [3][5], the infection may manifest as:

• Non-inflammatory, grayish patches: Anthropophilic tinea capitis, specifically caused by M. gypseum, is characterized by non-inflammatory, grayish patches of hair and skin [4].
• Hair loss (ectotrix): If left untreated, the infection can lead to hair loss in the affected area [8].
• Papular lesions: Infected hairs may appear broken and shorter, with papular lesions forming on the scalp [1].

Clinical Features

The clinical features of tinea capitis caused by M. gypseum include:

• Small papule that spreads peripherally: Tinea capitis results in a small papule that spreads peripherally, leaving fine, scaly patches of temporary baldness [9].
• Scalp lesions with raised 'active' edge: The infection may also present as annular scaly erythematous patches with a raised 'active' edge [6].

Contagious Nature

It's essential to note that M. gypseum is extremely contagious, and the infection can be spread through contact with infected headgear or other contaminated surfaces [7].

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Microsporum gypseum Tinea Capitis

The diagnosis of tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp, can be confirmed through various diagnostic tests. While the specific dermatophyte genera involved may have changed over time, some traditional methods are still relevant for diagnosing obsolete forms like Microsporum gypseum.

• Dermoscopy: A non-invasive technique that might assist in the diagnosis when suspecting tinea capitis (Source: [2], [5]). Dermoscopic features observed in tinea corporis and tinea capitis might be useful in identifying the infection.
• KOH prep and fungal culture: A light microscopy examination using KOH prep can help confirm the diagnosis by detecting fungal elements (Source: [6]). Fungal culture is another method that can isolate the causal organism, directing the choice of systemic therapy.
• Dermatophyte screen: This test can take 1-2 weeks to produce results and may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods (Source: [7]).
• Scalp sampling: Scraping of the scalp, followed by either scalp massage brush or hair shaft examination, can provide more than one sampling method for confirming the diagnosis (Source: [8]).

Additional Diagnostic Methods

While these traditional methods are still relevant, it's essential to note that modern diagnostic approaches may have evolved. A clinical suspicion and the availability of culture are keys to the diagnosis (Source: [13]). In some cases, laboratory investigations may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and direct treatment.

References

[2] Zacharopoulou, A. (2024). Dermoscopy in diagnosing tinea capitis. [Source: [5]] [5] Zacharopoulou, A. (2024). Dermoscopic features of tinea corporis and tinea capitis. [6] Pratiwi, FD. (2020). Light microscopy examination using KOH prep for fungal culture. [7] (2019). Fungal infection suspected? Perform a dermatophyte screen and potassium hydroxide exam. [8] Confirming the diagnosis of tinea capitis is best undertaken with more than one sampling method to include scraping of scalp, and either scalp massage brush, or hair shaft examination. [13] A clinical suspicion and the availability of culture are keys to the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Microsporum gypseum Tinea Capitis

While the exact treatment options may vary depending on the current guidelines and availability of medications, historical data suggests that certain antifungal drugs were previously used to treat Microsporum gypseum tinea capitis.

• Griseofulvin: This medication was once widely used to treat tinea capitis, including cases caused by Microsporum gypseum. The recommended dosage was 10-25 mg/kg/d for six to eight weeks [1]. However, its availability may be limited in some countries, such as New Zealand [4].
• Itraconazole: This oral antifungal medication has been found to be effective against tinea capitis, including cases caused by Microsporum gypseum. It was used as an alternative treatment option when griseofulvin was not available [3].
• Terbinafine: Topical terbinafine 1% cream was also used to treat tinea corporis and may be effective against Microsporum gypseum infections. A dosage of once or twice daily for 1-2 weeks is sufficient in most cases [6].

It's essential to note that the current treatment guidelines and availability of medications may have changed since these historical data were published. Consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the best course of treatment for Microsporum gypseum tinea capitis.

References: [1] Blumer (1999) - cited in [1] [3] FH Tobeigei (2023) - cited in [3] [4] New Zealand's medication availability [6] Topical terbinafine treatment guidelines

The differential diagnosis for Microsporum gypseum tinea capitis, which was caused by the dermatophyte species Microsporum gypseum, includes:

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis: This condition can present with similar symptoms to tinea capitis, such as scaly patches on the scalp [4].
• Psoriasis: Another skin condition that can cause patchy scaling and redness, which may be mistaken for tinea capitis [5].
• Eczema: A type of skin inflammation that can cause dry, itchy patches, which may resemble the symptoms of tinea capitis [5].
• Tinea amiantacea: A rare form of fungal infection that can cause scaly patches on the scalp, similar to tinea capitis [5].

It's worth noting that these conditions were considered in the differential diagnosis for Microsporum gypseum tinea capitis, but the specific characteristics and presentation of each condition may vary.

References: [4] - Context result 8 [5] - Context result 5