The first case of a new sexually transmitted fungal infection has been identified in the United States.

A man about 30 years NY was diagnosed sexually transmitted fungal infectionunprecedented case in USAAccording to NBC News. Infection caused by strain Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII)manifested itself as a rash on the patient’s genitals and limbs.

He Dr. Avrom S. Kaplanassociate professor of the department Dermatology from the Faculty of Medicine Grossman belonging New York University (NYU)emphasized the importance of “Health care providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a series of serious skin infections to reach the United States.“

TTMII infection highly contagious and has shown a significant increase Europe, especially among men in homosexual relationships. Infected man in NY recently went to England, Greece And California and reported having intimate relationships with men during their travels, none of whom had visible symptoms.

He Dr. John J. Zampellaco-author of the study and also a professor New York Universityemphasized the importance of asking doctors directly about dermatological problems in the genital area. “Because patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, doctors should ask directly about rashes in the groin and buttocks, especially in those who are sexually active or have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas on the body.”recommended Zampella.

Treatment of infections TMVII appears to respond to standard antifungal therapy such as the drug terbinafinealso known as Lamisil. However, these infections can take months to clear up and can easily be confused with lesions caused by eczema.which may delay appropriate treatment.

According to the man, the infection responded to standard antifungal drugs, but it took four and a half months for complete recovery. NBC News. He was initially treated fluconazole for four weeks without improvement, and then six weeks terbinafine and approximately eight additional weeks itraconazole.

On the other hand, another strain of fungal infection is also causing concern in the medical community. Trichophyton indotineacommon in India and confirmed in USA in the past year usually resists treatment with terbinafine, as reported New YorkPost.

“An analysis of data from 11 men and women treated in New York City hospitals between May 2022 and May 2023 shows that seven did not improve when taking standard doses of terbinafine, possibly due to genetic mutations of the fungus.“, he pointed out Kaplan.

Medical school research New York University’s Grossman found that the antifungal drug itraconazole produces better results in these cases.Although Kaplan warned that this drug may interfere with other medications and cause side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.

Kaplan urged dermatologists to remain vigilant against both TMVII and Trichophyton indotineae.. “Although incidence rates in the United States are still low, these initial results give us new insight into how some fungal skin infections from South Asia may be evading our usual treatments.he explained. “In addition to learning to recognize misleading signs, clinicians will need to ensure that treatment meets each patient’s quality of life needs.”