Family Epidemic of Tinea Capitis Due to Trichophyton Tonsurans (Variety Sulfureum)

Tinea Capitis Caused by Trichophyton tonsurans

“…Tinea capitis caused by T. tonsurans may occur as or mimic seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, recurrent fotliculitis of the scalp, cicatriciai alopecia, psoriasis, id reactions including erythema nodosum, kerion, Majocchi's granuloma (which may resemble the Hoffmann type of perifoUiculitis abscedens or folliculitis decalvans), and lupus erythematosus (4,(9)(10)(11). Useful clues in the search for possible endothrix tinea capitis include (1) the noninflammatory nature of the scalp lesions, (2) typical black-dot appearance of the scalp, (3) negative reaction of trichophyton skin tests, and (4) involvement of the adult scalp (12).…”

Dermatophytic Flora of Philadelphia

“…We have found only one report [2] concerning the isolation of T. sulfureum in the Philadelphia area. Two other reports on tinea capitis [4,5] indicated the prevalence of microsporosis, but do not mention the isolation of T. sulfureum or T. tonsurans.…”

Guidelines for the management of tinea capitis

“… 1–3 The main pathogens are anthropophilic organisms with Trichophyton tonsurans now accounting for > 90% of cases in the U.K. and North America 2,4 , 5 . These infections frequently spread among family members and classmates 5,6 . Certain hairdressing practices such as shaving of the scalp, plaiting or the use of hair oils may promote disease transmission, but their precise role remains the subject of study.…”

“…2,4,5 These infections frequently spread among family members and classmates. 5,6 Certain hairdressing practices such as shaving of the scalp, plaiting or the use of hair oils may promote disease transmission, but their precise role remains the subject of study. In nonurban communities, sporadic infections acquired from puppies and kittens are due to M. canis, which, however, accounts for less than 10% of cases in the U.K.…”