Epidemiology of the dermatophytoses in the Florence area of Italy : 1985-1990 : Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum gypseum infections

• Published in: Mycopathologia (1975) Vol. 122; no. 3; pp. 153 - 162
• Main Authors: SBERNA, F, FARELLA, V, GETI, V, TAVITI, F, AGOSTINI, G, VANNINI, P, KNÖPFEL, B, DIFONZO, E. M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01-06-1993
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Laboratory; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Dermatomycoses - epidemiology; Dermatomycoses - microbiology; Dermatomycoses - pathology; Epidermophyton; Epidermophyton floccosum; Female; Human mycoses; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious diseases; Italy - epidemiology; Male; Medical sciences; Microsporum; Microsporum gypseum; Middle Aged; Mycoses; Mycoses of the skin; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Tinea - epidemiology; Tinea - microbiology; Tinea - pathology; Trichophyton; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Italy; Europe; Fungi; Infection; Human; Skin disease; Microsporum gypseum; Mycosis; Epidermophyton floccosum; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; Fungi Imperfecti; Epidemiology; Dermatophyte; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0301-486X; 1573-0832
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01103476

Between 1985 and 1990 we observed 2085 cases of dermatophytoses in the Florence area of Italy. Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis were the major etiological agents. 126 cases of dermatophytoses observed during this period were caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Most of the patients came from rural areas or they kept pets. Epidermophyton floccosum ranked fourth in frequency (95 cases). The patients were adults and mainly males, most of whom engaged in sports or lived in group environments. Microsporum gypseum was isolated in 31 cases. Infections occurred directly from contact with soil or domestic animals. We report the principal clinical data concerning these last three dermatophyte infections.