Nosocomial Trichophyton tonsurans in a long stay ward.
OBJECTIVE
To document a nosocomial outbreak of Trichophyton tonsurans infection in a long stay ward.


METHODS
Retrospective review of mycology cultures taken from patients and staff during 1993-5 and clinical examination of both patients and staff.


RESULTS
Thirty-three mycology samples from 13 patients and staff, cultured T tonsurans during the period 1993-5. Twenty-two patients and staff were examined; 4 had mycology confirmed T tonsurans (2 scalp, 2 fingernail). Treatment with terbinafine 250 mg/day for 2 months resulted in clinical clearance (only 1 positive culture in 16 months follow-up).


CONCLUSIONS
T tonsurans is emerging as an important pathogen which may cause nosocomial infections.
Wood
B
B
Department of Dermatology, Health Waikato, Hamilton.
Rademaker
M
M
D000328:Adult; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D014005:Tinea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology