The health officials of New York in the United States are on high alert after a 30-year-old contracted sexually transmitted ringworm. Reportedly, the ringworm is caused by a new and highly infectious strain of fungus and it is the first-ever reported case in the country.
“Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII [TMVII] is the latest in a group of severe skin infections to have now reached the United States,” said Dr. Avrom S. Caplan, an assistant professor in NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s dermatology department, as quoted by The New York Post.
According to The New York Post report, Caplan co-authored a case study published Wednesday about an unidentified New Yorker who became infected with TMVII, with a rash appearing on his penis, buttocks and limbs.
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Reportedly, there is an increase in TMVII cases in Europe, especially in men who have sex with men.
The 30-year-old man reported that he had visited England, Greece and California. He reported having sex with men during his travels. However, none of them disclosed similar skin issues.
“Since patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, physicians need to directly ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body,” study senior author Dr. John G. Zampella advised.
According to researchers, infections caused by TMVII seem to respond to standard antifungal therapies such as the medication terbinafine (also known as Lamisil). However, they can take months to clear up.
As these rashes seem similar to lesions caused by eczema, the right medical intervention and treatment may get delayed.
It is noteworthy that Trichophyton indotineae is widespread in India and it was first confirmed in the US last year. Moreover, this pathogen is often resistant to terbinafine treatment, as per the NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers.
The researchers analysed data from 11 men and women treated for Trichophyton indotineae in NYC hospitals between May 2022 and May 2023. Seven of the patients received standard doses of terbinafine. As the rashes didn’t clear up, the researchers believe it might be because of genetic mutations in the fungus.
The antifungal pill itraconazole yielded better results. However, Caplan cautioned that the drug can interfere with other medications and cause nausea and diarrhea, among other side effects.
The researchers emphasised that although dermatologists should be on the lookout for TMVII and Trichophyton indotineae the US rates so far remain low. His team is hopeful to expand their research into the two species of fungus over the next few months.
“These [initial] findings offer new insight into how some of the fungal skin infections spreading from South Asia can evade our go-to therapies,” Caplan said, as quoted by The New York Post. “Beyond learning to recognize their misleading signs, physicians will need to ensure their treatment addresses each patient’s quality of life needs.”
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
