A sexually transmitted disease caused by a fungus has been identified in New York, the first case in the United States.
Human NY developed a form of body shingles sexual transmission, marking the first case reported in the United States. Infection, caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII).has become a matter of concern for medical professionals due to its highly contagious and potential for confusion with other dermatologic conditions.
In a recent statement, NYU Langone Health first case of sexually transmitted fungal infection in the United States. The patient, a 30-year-old man from New York, developed a rash after returning from New York. travel to England, Greece and California.
Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that affects the skin or scalp.. Symptoms include reddish, scaly rashes that can be extremely itchy. Common forms affect areas such as the face, limbs, groin and feet. However, Ringworm caused by TMIII has significant differences in appearancewhich can cause it to be confused with eczema or other dermatological conditions, delaying its diagnosis and treatment.
The study, published June 5 in JAMA Dermatology, highlights the need for health care providers to be vigilant about new and highly contagious forms of ringwormespecially those that may resist standard treatment.
He Dr. Avrom S. KaplanRonald O. Perelman Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, said: “Health care providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII It is the latest in a group of serious skin infections to reach the United States.“
The case of a New York man showed that TMVII infection occurred after sexual contact with multiple male partners while traveling., although none of their contacts reported similar skin problems. Experts emphasize the importance of asking patients directly about rashes in intimate areasespecially if they are sexually active and have recently traveled.
Despite the difficulties in treating these infections, Terbinafine, a standard antifungal drug, has been shown to be effective in these cases. However, it may take months for the rash to completely disappear.
In addition to VTMII, medical workers monitor Another fungal species of concern: Trichophyton indotineae.. This strain, which is prevalent in India, has started to be reported around the world. confirmed in the USA. for the first time last year. In a study published in May in JAMA Dermatology, Dr. Kaplan and his team documented the challenges of treating T. indotineae infections.
These infections are present contagious, itchy skin rashes, similar to those of TMVII. However, often resist treatment with terbinafine. The researchers analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 11 patients treated for ringworm in New York City hospitals between May 2022 and May 2023.
Seven of these patients received standard doses of terbinafine, but their rash did not improve.. Genetic analysis has identified mutations that prevent this standard antifungal drug from attaching to fungal cells, explaining treatment resistance.
In cases where terbinafine is ineffective, another antifungal drug called itraconazole has shown effectiveness.. Of the seven patients treated with itraconazole, three recovered completely and two showed improvement. However, long-term use of this medication may cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
Dr. Kaplan emphasizes the importance of recognizing the false signs of these skin infections and assures that Dermatologists must be prepared to meet patients’ quality of life needs.. The researchers also plan to expand research efforts and monitor new cases in collaboration with fungal experts nationally and internationally.
Although incidence rates of TMVII and T. indotineae are still low in the United States., vigilance and preparedness are essential to combat this new public health threat. The discovery of the first case of sexually transmitted tinea corporis and the growing concern about resistant infections such as T. indotineae highlight the importance of their control.
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