Tinea capitis in Brussels: Epidemiology and New Management Strategy

BACKGROUND: We found pre-established directives inadequate to cope with the current increase in anthropophilic tinea capitis in Brussels. OBJECTIVES: To study new epidemiological profiles and to define new strategies for management and prevention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 122 children affected by tinea capitis were followed in our department from October 1, 2001, until September 30, 2002. The results were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: Anthropophilic tinea capitis represented 89.34% of the cases. The implicated anthropophilic dermatophytes were by decreasing frequency: Microsporum langeronii (39.34%), Trichophyton soudanense (28.69%), Trichophyton violaceum (18.03%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (3.28%). CONCLUSION: The responsible pathogens reflect immigration flows originating mostly from Black and North Africa. Precise recommendations for each visit are detailed.