Prevalence of Dermatophytes among Tinea Capitis-infected Pupils and Associated Risk Factors in Some Southwestern States of Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis, also called dermatophytosis of the scalp, is the most common tinea infection in children within pre-pubertal age. The causative agents, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum spp., are highly predominant in Africa, Asia and Europe. AIMS: This study investigated the prevalence of tinea capitis among public primary school children and ascertained the epidemiological risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scalp lesions were collected from 102 pupils with suspected cases of dermatophytosis between March 2017 and August 2017 in Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti States. A structured pretested questionnaire was designed to gather data on sociodemographic and potential risk variables, followed by analysis using IBM SPSS version 20. Scalp lesion samples were analysed using culture and biochemical assay. The polymerase chain reaction was performed using the primer pairs 'DERM' F1 and 'DERM' R2 gene markers. RESULTS: Out of 102 samples, 95 (93.1%) were positive by microscopy and 75 (78.9%) by culture. Three fungal genera, Microsporum (65.3%), Trichophyton (29.3%) and Epidermophyton (5.3%) were identified. Amongst the dermatophytes isolated, Microsporum canis constituted 28%, followed by 9.1% Trichophyton rubrum and 9.1% Trichophyton verrucosum. All the isolates were confirmed to possess 'DERM' genes 1 and 2. Gender, age and place of hair shaving were among the risk factors that predisposed the participants to tinea capitis. A substantial statistical difference (P < 0.05) was seen between male and female learners who were infected with dermatophytes. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high prevalence of dermatophytes, with M. canis being the most predominant fungal pathogen. Risk factors such as gender and age predispose subjects to infections. Accurate and prompt surveillance of the burden of tinea capitis is essential to prevent further transmission.