A rare fungus that causes a sexually transmitted type of ringworm has been identified for the first time in the United States.
The patient, a 30-year-old guy from New York City, became infected after having sexual relations with several men while visiting England, Greece, and California.
Related posts
NYU Langone Health specialists in New York City published the case in JAMA Dermatology, illustrating a growing problem as fungal infections become more difficult to treat.
The patient had a chronic rash and was later diagnosed with Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, the first known instance in the United States.
Last year, France reported similar incidents. Despite early fluconazole treatment failure, the man’s condition improved after several months of taking different antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine and itraconazole.
The problem could worsen, according to Dr. Avrom Caplan, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and author of the new paper. However, he stresses that it should not cause undue public concern.
Dr. Caplan stated: “There’s no evidence that this is widespread or that this is something that people really need to be worried about.” If someone experiences a persistent, irritating eruption, particularly in areas such as the groin, they should see a doctor.
Although it is most likely that the infection occurred through sexual contact, Caplan does not rule out the possibility that the man contracted the fungus from a sauna he visited two months prior to symptoms appearing. None of his sexual partners displayed any signs of ringworm.
The rash resembles an eczema flare rather than the circular patterns found in ringworm infections. Even if the infection is not fatal, there is a risk of lasting scarring.
Dr. Caplan first discovered two cases of an alternative ringworm infection in 2023. STIs do not categorize Trichophyton indotineae-caused infections, despite their extreme contagiousness and drug resistance.
Currently, Dr. Caplan’s team at NYU Langone Health has found 11 cases of Trichophyton indotineae ringworm in New York City, affecting both men and women.
According to CDC medical epidemiologist Jeremy Gold, this new case report is “notable.” He emphasizes that doctors should examine fungi as possible culprits, in addition to viruses and bacteria.
Experts are warning about a potential cause of sexually transmitted diseases. “Oftentimes, what happens is that these patients receive multiple courses of antibacterial drugs, which are not going to make the fungus better,” stated a physician.
He underlined the necessity of accurate diagnosis and treatment, saying, “Clinicians should keep this in mind so that patients can get appropriate care.”
Although he did not contribute to the most recent case study, he did encourage others to take proactive measures for their health. At the moment, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is treatable.
“If you have a rash or lesions on your skin that aren’t getting better and you think it might be ringworm,” he suggested, “see your doctor.”
