obsolete Microsporum fulvum tinea capitis

Obsolete Tinea Capitis Caused by Microsporum Fulvum

Microsporum fulvum was a dermatophyte species that caused tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. This condition is characterized by pruritic (itchy), scaling areas of hair loss.

Common Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of obsolete Microsporum fulvum tinea capitis, a type of fungal infection of the scalp, typically include:

• Erythematous, scaly plaques: The lesion begins as an erythematous, scaly plaque that may rapidly worsen [3].
• Hair loss: On the scalp, skin becomes scaly and hair is lost [6].
• Widespread scaling: Other presentations include widespread scaling with subtle hair loss [5].
• Kerion: A highly inflammatory, suppurating lesion caused by zoophilic dermatophytes [7].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common signs and symptoms, other possible symptoms of obsolete Microsporum fulvum tinea capitis may include:

• Pustules: Inflammation, scaling, pustules, and itching on the scalp [8].
• Nodules with pus: Painful nodules that contain pus and scarring alopecia [10].

References

[3] Oct 21, 2024 — Signs and symptoms of tinea capitis. [5] May 24, 2022 — Other presentations of tinea capitis. [6] On the scalp, skin becomes scaly and hair is lost. [7] Mild scaling lesions to widespread alopecia. • Kerion: highly inflammatory, suppurating lesion caused by zoophilic dermatophytes. [8] It affects the scalp, resulting in patches of hair loss with a 'black dot' pattern, inflammation, scaling, pustules, and itching. [10] Inflammatory type of tinea capitis is characterized by painful nodules that contain pus and scarring alopecia whereby the affected area loses its hair.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various diagnostic tests for tinea capitis caused by Microsporum fulvum, although this species is considered obsolete.

• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet-mount examination: This test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of tinea capitis, but it may not be specific for Microsporum fulvum. According to search result [7], KOH wet-mount preparations of skin scrapings from the active border can be examined microscopically to confirm the diagnosis.
• Microscopic examination: This is considered a conventional gold standard for diagnosing tinea capitis, including cases caused by Microsporum species (search result [13]). However, it may not be sensitive or time-consuming.
• Fungal culture: This test can also be used to diagnose tinea capitis, but it may take some time to obtain results. According to search result [15], fungal culture is one of the conventional gold standards for diagnosis.
• Trichoscopy examination: This is a relatively new diagnostic method that has been developed to facilitate the diagnosis and identification of causative pathogens in tinea capitis cases (search result [15]). However, it may not be specific for Microsporum fulvum.

It's worth noting that Microsporum fulvum is considered an obsolete species, and its nomenclature has undergone significant changes (search result [9]). Therefore, the diagnostic tests mentioned above may not be specifically tailored for this species.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Microsporum fulvum Tinea Capitis

According to the available information, treatment options for Microsporum fulvum tinea capitis have been largely replaced by newer antifungal medications. However, some older treatments are still mentioned in medical literature.

• Griseofulvin: This was one of the first-line therapies for tinea capitis in children, as per [5]. It is an oral antifungal medication that can be effective against Microsporum species, including M. fulvum.
• Terbinafine: Another oral antifungal medication, terbinafine has been used to treat tinea capitis caused by various dermatophytes, including Microsporum species [5].
• Itraconazole and fluconazole: These two oral antifungals have also been used to treat tinea capitis, although they may not be as effective against M. fulvum specifically [2].

It's essential to note that the treatment of choice for tinea capitis has evolved over time, and newer medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are now preferred due to their improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Prevention

In addition to treating the infection, prevention measures can also be taken to avoid reinfection. Proper hygienic practices, such as cleaning hairdressing equipment and avoiding sharing personal items, can help prevent the spread of M. fulvum [8].

References:

[1] S Dogra · 2019 · Cited by 73 [2] Jun 15, 2021 [3] by L Goldman · 1960 · Cited by 41 [4] Dec 31, 2018 [5] May 24, 2022 [6] Oct 21, 2024 [7] by M Gits-Muselli · 2017 · Cited by 55

Based on the provided context, it appears that Microsporum fulvum was previously considered a causative agent of tinea capitis, but its relevance has diminished over time.

The differential diagnosis for tinea capitis caused by Microsporum fulvum would likely involve other dermatophyte species that are still prevalent today. Some possible differential diagnoses include:

• Tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans [3]
• Tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton rubrum [3]
• Tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis [14]
• Tinea capitis caused by Nannizzia gypsea [15]

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of tinea capitis is often made based on clinical presentation, and a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis list for tinea capitis is extensive and includes any condition that may present with patchy alopecia, inflammation, or scaling of the scalp [6].

In adults, tinea capitis with alopecia should be considered with differential diagnoses of other scalp diseases, such as chronic cutaneous lupus [10]. A thorough evaluation, including examination of fungal cultures, is essential to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: [3] - Context 3 [6] - Context 6 [10] - Context 10 [14] - Context 14 [15] - Context 15