Health experts are warning about a new and highly contagious fungal infection after a man in his 30s from NYC developed a sexually transmitted form of ringworm. This is the first reported case in the US.
Dr. Avrom S. Caplan, an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explained that the latest strain, called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), is causing severe skin infections in the US. The infected man showed a rash on his penis, buttocks, and limbs.
TMVII cases have been increasing in Europe, particularly among men who have sex with men. The infected man had traveled to England, Greece, and California, engaging in sexual activities with men who did not have similar skin issues.
Dr. John G. Zampella recommended that physicians ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for sexually active individuals who have recently traveled and report itchy areas on their body. TMVII infections can be treated with antifungal medications like terbinafine, but they may take months to clear up and can be mistaken for eczema.
Another skin infection, Trichophyton indotineae, was recently confirmed in the US and is resistant to terbinafine treatment. NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers found that itraconazole was more effective in treating this infection, although it can have side effects.
While cases of these fungal infections in the US are currently low, experts are monitoring the situation closely. Research will continue to explore these fungal species to improve treatment methods and ensure patients’ quality of life needs are addressed.
