Tinea capitis in Brussels: epidemiology and new management strategy.
BACKGROUND
We found pre-established directives inadequate to cope with the current increase in anthropophilic tinea capitis in Brussels.


OBJECTIVE
To study new epidemiological profiles and to define new strategies for management and prevention.


METHODS
A total of 122 children affected by tinea capitis were followed in our department from October 1, 2001, until September 30, 2002. The results were assessed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Anthropophilic tinea capitis represented 89.34% of the cases. The implicated anthropophilic dermatophytes were by decreasing frequency: Microsporum langeronii (39.34%), Trichophyton soudanense (28.69%), Trichophyton violaceum (18.03%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (3.28%).


CONCLUSIONS
The responsible pathogens reflect immigration flows originating mostly from Black and North Africa. Precise recommendations for each visit are detailed.
Kolivras
Athanassios
A
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Saint-Pierre, Brugmann and HUDERF, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. kolivrasathangr@hotmail.com
Lateur
Nadine
N
De Maubeuge
Josiane
J
Scheers
Christelle
C
Wiame
Lucy
L
Song
Micheline
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077291:Terbinafine; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009281:Naphthalenes; D017964:Itraconazole; D015725:Fluconazole; D000077291:Terbinafine