A Rare Case of Tinea Capitis in Morocco Due to Trichophyton tonsurans

Abstract

Tinea capitis is a frequent reason for dermatology consultation in Morocco. In this work, we report a case of Tinea capitis caused by <i>Trichophyton tonsurans </i>(<i>T. tonsurans</i>), an unusual anthropophilic dermatophyte in Morocco. This pathogen was identified for the first time in our hospital, affecting a young Moroccan judoka. The patient was a 25-year-old man. He was a member of the Moroccan national judo team. He was sent to the parasitology and mycology laboratory for suspicion of tinea capitis. The anamnesis found an almost annual participation in international tournaments and competitions. The clinical examination revealed erythematous-squamous scalp plaque associated with hair loss and two localized squamous lesions on the right wrist and the left knee. We sampled the lesions separately. Direct examination in potassium hydroxide preparation of collected samples (skin scrapings, hair fragments) from the patient's lesions was negative, and cultures grew <i>T. tonsurans</i> in Sabouraud Agar. We identified this pathogenic fungal species based on the colonies' macroscopic and microscopic morphological characteristics, establishing the diagnosis of <i>T. tonsurans</i> <i> </i>tinea capitis. The young judoka presented an unusual fungal infection of the scalp in Morocco. We suppose it to be our country's first case of <i>T. tonsurans</i> tinea capitis. Screening international combat sports practitioners and optimizing hygiene conditions in our sports environments remains necessary to avoid any epidemic of <i>T. tonsurans</i>.