The US has recently reported the presence of a rare fungus that causes a sexually transmitted form of ringworm. This marks the first time the fungus has been identified in the country.
A persistent rash was developed by the patient, and it was finally diagnosed as Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII. This is the first recorded case of this type in the United States.
Last year, France also reported similar cases where the initial treatment with fluconazole failed. However, the condition of the patients improved after being on an extended course of other antifungal medications such as terbinafine and itraconazole for several months.
According to a new report by Dr. Avrom Caplan, an assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the situation has the potential to worsen. Despite this, Dr. Caplan emphasizes that there is no need for the public to be overly alarmed.
According to Dr. Caplan, there is no indication that this is a common issue or something that individuals should be overly concerned about. However, if someone experiences a persistent and uncomfortable itchy rash, particularly in sensitive areas such as the groin, it is recommended that they seek medical advice.
Caplan believes that while sexual contact is the most likely means of infection, there is also a possibility that the fungus was contracted from a sauna that the man had visited two months prior to experiencing symptoms. Interestingly, none of his sexual partners displayed any symptoms of ringworm.
The rash is more similar in appearance to an eczema flare-up rather than the circular patterns that are often associated with ringworm infections. Although the infection is not life-threatening, there is a possibility of permanent scarring.
In 2023, Dr. Caplan discovered two cases of an unusual form of ringworm infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae. Although not categorized as STIs, these infections can be highly contagious and resistant to drugs.
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One expert is warning about a possible cause of sexually transmitted diseases. According to the expert, patients are often administered multiple rounds of antibacterial drugs, which can worsen the condition of the fungus.
He may not have been involved in the latest case report, but he still emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one’s health. Fortunately, it is possible to treat Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII at present.
“See your doctor if you have a persistent rash or lesions on your skin that do not heal and you suspect it to be ringworm,” he recommended.
