Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Epidemiology of tinea capitis in primary school children in Fayoum City, Egypt

2^nd International Congress on Bacteriology & Infectious Diseases

November 17-19, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-North Shore, USA

Naglaa A El Sherbiny, Talal A Abd El Raheem, Rasha H Bassyouni and Basma H Mohammed

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Bacteriol Parasitol

Abstract:

Background: Tinea capitis is a public health problem worldwide. The prevalence of Tinea capitis is dependent on many socioeconomic factors. It is most common found in school children. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Tinea capitis among primary students, in Fayoum city, Egypt and explore the predisposing factors of Tinea infestation in both public and private schools with isolation of the causative organisms. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in twelve primary schools at Fayoum city which represents Upper Egypt during the academic year. The students were selected from different grades with a total of 12128 students. Hair and scalp were clinically examined for any lesions that suspect infection with Tinea capitis and Dermoscopy for determination of variable clinical features and Mycological samples were collected for direct microscopy and cultured. Results: The prevalence of Tinea capitis in the study group was 0.4%. It was higher in public schools (73.5%) than private schools (26.5%) and in boys (83.7%) more than girls (16.3%). There was a socio-economic influence on infestation as 40.8% had a positive family history and 73.5% showed low socioeconomic profile. As regards the numbers of the lesion, there was 53.1% of the lesion were single lesion and 42.9% were multiple lesions; with 81.6% of the lesions was scaly. Mycological culture was positive in only 51% of the cases with predominate of M. canis followed by M. audouinii (40% and 32% respectively). Conclusion: It is concluded that tinea capitis are a common childhood problem related to poor health behaviour and socioeconomic status. There is a need for conjoint effort between family, school, and primary health care to create a surveillance system for early detection of infection for prompt treatment, and promotion of healthy behaviours to prevention spread of the disease among school children.