United States – The seemingly insignificant and easily treatable diseases such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot resistant to drugs have become more widespread and difficult to contain in the United States, reports show.
Identification of Two New Fungi
Researchers have identified two fungi causing irregular skin rashes on the face, limbs, groin, and feet. These rashes often differ from the typical round patterns of common ringworm, leading to potential misdiagnosis as eczema and delayed treatment, as reported by HealthDay.
Case Study: Travel-Related Infection
A 34-year old male with HIV contracted rashes on his penis, buttocks and limbs having been to England, Greece, California, and finally New York. Analysis of the results showed that the man had contracted Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII which is a sexually transmittable ringworm. The patient admitted to practicing unprotected receptive anal intercourse with numerous male partners during his travel and none of them had skin disorders.
Expert Insights
“Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a series of severe skin infections emerging in the U.S.,” stated Dr. Avrom Caplan from New York University School of Medicine. Dr. John Zampella, a senior researcher at NYU Grossman, noted the infection’s challenging nature and extended resolution period.
Study on Trichophyton Indoline
A separate study, published in JAMA Dermatology, examined 11 patients treated for ringworm in New York City hospitals between 2022 and 2023. These patients were infected with Trichophyton indoline, a fungal disease common in India but recently identified in the U.S.
Resistance to Conventional Treatment
Seven patients did not respond to conventional oral antifungal Terbinafine (Lamasil) despite taking the standard dose of 250mg/day for 14-42 days. DNA sequencing revealed genetic mutations in the fungus that prevent terbinafine from effectively targeting fungal cells, as reported by HealthDay.
Alternative Treatments and Challenges
Patients were given another antifungal, itraconazole, with mixed results: three infections were completely eliminated, while two showed improvement. However, itraconazole’s side effects and interactions with other drugs present challenges for long-term adherence.
Future Research Directions
“These findings shed light on the resistance mechanisms of fungal infections from South Asia,” said Dr. Caplan. He emphasized the importance of recognizing misleading symptoms and tailoring treatments to improve patients’ quality of life. Caplan also announced plans for continued research in the U.S. and other countries.