Epidemiology and Etiology of Tinea Capitis among Patients Attending Zliten Medical Center in Zliten, Libya
Keywords:
Tinea capitis, Microsporum canis, Dermatophyte infection, Pediatric infection, Zoonotic transmission, Zliten, LibyaAbstract
Tinea capitis is a prevalent fungal infection of the scalp, affecting mainly children and potentially causing scarring and alopecia if untreated. Primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi, including Microsporum and Trichophyton species, the infection spreads through close contact, often in school settings or homes with animals. Understanding the infection’s epidemiology and causative agents in specific areas can help shape preventive and treatment measures. This study investigates epidemiological features of age and gender distribution, and common fungal species causing Tinea capitis among patients at the Zliten Medical Center in Libya. Data were collected from 178 patients from January 2021 to August 2024, encompassing demographic details, clinical diagnoses, and diagnostic results, including Potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy and fungal cultures. Patients were grouped by age and gender, and diagnostic results were reviewed to identify specific fungal pathogens. Among the 178 patients, 57.3% were male and 42.7% were female, with the highest prevalence in the 6–12 age group (47.8%), followed by ages 1–5 (37.1%). Positive results for KOH microscopy were 45.5%, and culture testing confirmed dermatophyte growth in 44.9% of cases. Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated species (22.5%), followed by Trichophyton verrucosum(10.7%).. The findings highlight Tinea capitis as a pediatric condition, especially in young males, with Microsporum canis indicating zoonotic transmission. These results underline the importance of targeted public health initiatives and hygiene education, particularly in schools and homes with animals, to minimize transmission rates.
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