Rare case of sexually transmitted ringworm found in the US
A highly contagious and rare sexually transmitted fungal infection has been recorded for the first time in the United States.
The disease, called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), was first reported by JAMA Dermatology at NYU Langone Health in New York City, where they stated that it is a “hard-to-treat,” fungal infection.
Detailing the case, a man in his 30s from New York City developed a red, itchy rash on his legs and around his groin and buttocks after he reportedly had sex with multiple men during a trip to England, Greece, and California. His sexual partners, meanwhile, did not have any similar skin issues similar to him.
According to the press release, genetic tests of fungal samples were collected from the patient, where they found a rare case of TMVII. After the diagnosis, he underwent anti-fungal medications for four and a half months before he fully recovered from the disease.
It added that the study anchored on Trichophyton indotineae (T. indotineae), which was first found in India and was first recorded in the U.S. last year, saying that the infection “causes similar itchy and contagious rashes as TMVII but often resists terbinafine treatment.”
Eczema-like rashes
Avron Caplan, a dermatologist and one of the authors of the study, said that the TMVII rash may look more like an eczema flare that forms in circles. He added that while this infection is not life-threatening, it may cause permanent scarring.
It was also indicated that the infection can easily spread on “the face and limbs (ringworm), groin (jock itch), and feet (athlete’s foot).”
Caplan noted that this new case poses a “greater challenge for dermatologists.”
“There’s no evidence that this is widespread, or that this is something that people really need to be worried about,” he said, as reported by NBC News. He also encouraged people to seek treatment immediately once they experience the symptoms.
“But if people are having itchy eruptions in areas like the groin, and it’s not getting better, see a doctor.”