A highly contagious form of ringworm that can be transmitted by sexual contact has been found in the US for the first time.
Doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City have warned healthcare providers of the condition, which can take months to clear up, even with treatment.
The experts said the species of fungus is from a group that causes skin rashes, however the rashes described in the new reports could be confused for lesions caused by eczema, and therefore might not receive proper treatment for months.
The first case in the US, reported in the journal JAMA Dermatology, describes a man in his 30s who developed scaly red patches on his penis, buttocks, and limbs after returning home to New York City from a trip to England, Greece, and California.
Samples from the fungal infection revealed he had ringworm and he was given an anti-fungal treatment.
However, when it did not clear up, further tests revealed the infection was caused by the species Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), not seen before in the country. While the infection is not fatal, it can cause permanent scarring.
The species has been spotted in Southeast Asia and has been increasingly diagnosed across Europe, with 13 instances reported in France in 2023, mostly in men who have sex with men.
The doctors said that the man disclosed he had sex with multiple male partners during his travels, but none of them had reported similar skin issues.
Lead author and dermatologist Dr Avrom Caplan said: ‘Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a group of severe skin infections to have now reached the United States.’
The doctors said that, so far, TMVII appears to respond to standard anti-fungal therapies such as terbinafine.
Senior author Dr John Zampella said: ‘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 travelled abroad, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body.’
Symptoms of Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII
- Intense itching
- Inflamed circular patterns on the skin
- Hair and nail issues (hair may start to fall out, and nails may become discoloured and break off)
- Athlete’s foot
A different itchy and contagious skin infection that causes similar rashes to TMVII is proving more difficult to treat.
Trichophyton indotineae, which is widespread in India and now is reported globally, was first confirmed in the US last year but often resists terbinafine treatment.
The researchers warn that while dermatologists should be on the alert for signs of TMVII and T indotineae in their patients, rates so far remain low in the US.
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