Tinea Capitis at Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat, Morocco: Epidemiological and Etiological Study Over 25 Years (From 1997 to 2021)

Abstract

Introduction/Objective In Morocco, tinea capitis is a common reason for consultation, especially in children. Our study aimed to determine the epidemiology of tinea capitis in the Central Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology at the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center (UHC) in Rabat. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study conducted over 25 years (from 1997 to 2021). It included 247 patients with lesions suggestive of tinea capitis, who underwent a mycological examination. Results Among 594 requests for the diagnosis of tinea capitis, 247 cases were positive. A clear predominance of children (86.23%; n=213) as compared to adults (13.77%; n=34) was observed. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.77. Hair parasitism was mainly dominated by the pure endothrix type 54.47% (n=122). The two most frequently isolated species were <i>Trichophyton violaceum</i> (51.24%; n=125) and <i>Microsporum canis</i> (36.06%; n=88). In children, these two species represented 47.42% (n=101) and 41.31% (n=88), respectively. In adults, <i>Trichophyton violaceum</i> was the predominant species, accounting for 77.42% (n=24); in females, it was 76.41% (n=68); and <i>Microsporum canis</i> was predominant in males (50.32%; n=78). Conclusion The epidemiology of this condition is in a constant state of flux, influenced by various lifestyle factors. Our research unveiled a notable upward trend in zoophilic species over the 25-year study period, while conversely, anthropophilic species demonstrated a discernible decline.