Asymptomatic Scalp Carriage among Household Contacts of Children Affected by Tinea Capitis: A Prospective Study in the Metropolitan Area of Brussels, Belgium.

INTRODUCTION

Tinea capitis (TC) is a superficial fungal infection affecting the scalp. The existence of asymptomatic carriers (ACs) could represent a potential reservoir responsible of (re)contamination and failure of treatment. No prospective studies on ACs in household contacts of TC patients in Europe have been published to date.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ACs in a cohort of household contacts of children who were diagnosed with TC in the metropolitan area of Bruxelles, Belgium.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted from October 2015 to April 2016 at the Dermatology Department of the University Hospitals Brugmann, Saint-Pierre, Queen Fabiola Children Hospital.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine cases of TC from 95 different family circles were included. The main infectious agent identified was in 53 cases. The mean age of TC patients was 5.8 years. Male/female ratio was 2.8. Eighty-one household contacts of TC patients were enrolled in the study. Two cases of ACs (5%) were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

was the most common pathogen identified. The prevalence of ACs we report is on average higher compared to other European large cities. Larger prospective studies including all close contacts of affected patients are required in order to establish guidelines regarding identification and management of ACs.