[Tinea capitis-diagnostic measures in an outbreak situation : Case report and review of the literature].

Abstract

In a\xa0preschool a\xa0long-lasting outbreak of Trichophyton\xa0(T.) tonsurans tinea capitis was stopped by a\xa0concurrent screening of all persons at-risk (N\u202f=\u2009264) with the hairbrush technique and a\xa0therapy based on clinical picture as well as on the quantitative results of the culture. In addition to the 5\xa0symptomatic patients 10\xa0asymptomatic carriers undetected until now were especially important as vectors. With the rising incidence of T.\xa0tonsurans and T.\xa0violaceum and the return of Microsporum\xa0(M.) audouinii in central Europe such outbreaks are likely to occur more frequently. According to the literature an early and comprehensive screening of the entire at-risk population, a\xa0combined antimycotic therapy of the symptomatic and at least a\xa0topical therapy of the asymptomatic as well as measures of decontamination are important conditions for successful outbreak management. In our hands the hairbrush technique is a\xa0reliable, painless and easy-to-perform screening method which also allows a\xa0quantification of fungal load.