Dermatophytosis Caused by Trichophyton indotineae (Trichophyton mentagrophytes ITS Genotype VIII) in Sri Lanka

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Jul 9;111(3):575-577. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.24-0027. Print 2024 Sep 4.

Abstract

Over the past few years, a recalcitrant dermatophytosis has been observed on the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, which has caused a major public health issue in the region. An emerging species, Trichophyton indotineae, first described as Trichophyton mentagrophytes ITS genotype VIII, is thought to be responsible for this fast-spreading, mostly terbinafine-resistant dermatophytosis. Recalcitrant dermatophytosis is a challenge to dermatologists, and knowing the causative species and antifungal sensitivity in the earlier stage of management would be invaluable. We report a case series of patients with dermatophytosis caused by T. indotineae in Sri Lanka. This is the first detection of this highly terbinafine-resistant strain in Sri Lanka, and existence of this species should be taken seriously by dermatologists and healthcare policymakers for better management of tinea infections and antifungal stewardship in the country.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Arthrodermataceae / classification
  • Arthrodermataceae / drug effects
  • Arthrodermataceae / genetics
  • Arthrodermataceae / isolation & purification
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal
  • Female
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sri Lanka
  • Terbinafine* / therapeutic use
  • Tinea* / drug therapy
  • Tinea* / microbiology
  • Trichophyton / classification
  • Trichophyton / drug effects
  • Trichophyton / genetics
  • Trichophyton / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Terbinafine

Supplementary concepts

  • Trichophyton mentagrophytes
  • Trichophyton indotineae