An outbreak of Microsporum canis in two elementary schools in a rural area around the capital city of Slovenia, 2012

Abstract

An outbreak of Microsporum canis infection affected 12 persons in two elementary schools over a period of 48 days in 2012 in Slovenia. Epidemiological, microbiological, and animal investigations were conducted. We defined cases as pupils or employees with skin lesions and confirmed or probable M. canis infection, attending one of the implicated elementary schools. Two clusters of six primary and six secondary cases were included in an unmatched case-control study. Contact with an adopted stray kitten at a birthday party was identified as the most probable source of infection. Secondary cases were more likely to have participated in gymnastic classes with a primary case than controls and were also more likely to have touched an infected child. Prompt communication and implementation of adequate control measures after the primary cases occurred would have prevented the secondary cases in another school.

Griseofulvin and Fluconazole Reduce Transmission of Tinea Capitis in Schoolchildren

“…Although the transmission of TC infections due to M. canis is considered to occur primarily from contact with cats and dogs, there are isolated reports of transmission occurring from common classroom items and person‐to‐person contact . The present study evaluated a Mediterranean sample of children with mycologically confirmed TC and assessed the potential for person‐to‐person transmission through fingertip contamination.…”

Fingertip contamination after a brief touch of tinea capitis lesions caused byMicrosporum canis

“…reported an outbreak of TC caused by M. canis that was isolated from patients, the carpet and a pillowcase in the school. Other cases of person‐to‐person infection have been reported among participants in gymnastic classes after touching an infected child . An outbreak of nosocomial ringworm involved five infants in a neonatal intensive care unit, in which the source of the contamination was a nurse infected with M. canis by her cat .…”

An Outbreak of Microsporum canis infection at a military base associated with stray cat exposure and person‐to‐person transmission

“…Zoophilic outbreaks of M. canis infection related to cats were reported in schools and households . In the three school outbreaks, anthropophilic transmission contributed substantially to the development of secondary cases.…”

“…Briefly touching M. canis skin lesions was found to contaminate hands with infective material . Most reported community‐related outbreaks included between 6 and 12 cases, and the largest reported was of 42 cases …”

“…Most cases are associated with exposure to symptomatic or asymptomatic cats or dogs, sometimes leading to outbreaks. In some outbreaks, anthropophilic (person‐to‐person) transmission has been implicated, either through direct contact or via contaminated fomites . In July 2015, a suspected outbreak of tinea corporis was reported to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps Public Health Branch.…”