Tinea Capitis at Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis (Tunisia)

Introduction: Tinea capitis is an infection caused by dermatophytes which have a particular affinity for keratin. Its prevalence decreased significantly in developed countries due to the improvement of sanitary conditions and socioeconomic level. However, they are still common in developing countries including Tunisia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and mycological profile of tinea capitis diagnosed at Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 167 mycological samples scalp performed during four years (2009-2012). Results: Tinea capitis was diagnosed in 88 patients (52.69%). Their mean age was 7.62 years. The sex ratio was 2.82. The main dermatophytes isolated were Microsporum canis and Trichophyton violaceum. The annual distribution of the dermatophytes isolated showed a decrease of the frequency of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis (36.36% in 2009 vs. 60.71% in 2012). Conclusion: The study of etiological profile of tinea capitis encountered in Tunis showed an increase in the frequency of microsporic tinea that exceeds in recent years trichophytic tinea and emergence of zoophilic species such as Trichophyton verrucosum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.