Screening for asymptomatic carriage of Trichophyton tonsurans in household contacts of patients with tinea capitis: results of 209 patients from South London.
BACKGROUND
There is currently an epidemic of tinea capitis in urban areas of developed countries caused by Trichophyton tonsurans. Recurrence or re-infection with dermatophyte is not uncommon after adequate oral treatment. Asymptomatic carriers who are household contacts may partly explain this observation by forming a reservoir for infection.


METHODS
Two-hundred and nine household contacts of patients with tinea capitis were examined and screened for asymptomatic carriage of dermatophyte.


RESULTS
Only 7.2% had clinically evident disease yet 44.5% had silent fungal carriage on the scalp. Children under 16 years were much more likely to be carriers than adults (P < 0.001) and males were less likely than females to be affected (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This evidence poses questions about factors relevant in transmission of dermatophytes. The authors propose that all household contacts of patients with tinea capitis should be offered screening to eradicate a potential reservoir of infection.
White
J M L
JM
Department of Cutaneous Allergy, St. John's Institute of Dermatology, London, UK. jonathan.white@gstt.nhs.uk
Higgins
E M
EM
Fuller
L C
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D014249:Trichophyton / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014505:Urban Population