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Dermatophytosis is a contagious superficial mycosis caused by a group related fungi in the Genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Early and accurate identification of the causative agent of dermatophytosis is essential for effective treatment and prevention of the disease. Genotypic techniques are more rapid, sensitive and specific than the conventional methods. However, there is a paucity of information on molecular characterization of dermatophytes from domesticated ruminants, particularly in northern Nigeria. The aim of this work was to carry out molecular identification of dermatophytes isolated from sheep and goats in Zaria. Ninety-four goats and 63 sheep skin scrapings were aseptically collected from suspected cases of deramtophytosis. Each specimen was processed for direct microscopic examination and, cultural isolation and phenotypic identification of etiologic agents. The identified dermatophyte isolates were subjected to DNA extraction followed by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of their ribosomal DNA. The dermatophytes were identified by comparing the sizes of the amplified ITS regions of each isolate with ITS regions sizes of dermatophytes reported in the literature. Out of the 34 dermatophyte isolates from both sheep and goats, 23 were phenotypically identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes while 11 were T. verrucosum. The PCR based technique identified 23 of the isolates as T. mentagrophytes while 11 were identified as T. verrucosum in complete agreement with the culture method. The sizes of the ITS regions of all the T. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum were approximately 600bp except one isolate of T. mentagrophytes which had ITS region size of approximately 550bp. Trichophyton verrucosum and T. mentagrophytes isolated from sheep and goats were successfully identified by PCR method targeting the ITS regions of their ribosomal DNA. As far as we know, this is the first report of molecular identification of dermatophytes isolates from small ruminants in northern Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Risk factors for the persistence of superficial skin infestations are prevalent in humid tropical environments, which are favorable for breeding of the causative vector mite Sarcoptes scabiei (ectoparasite) and dermatophyte fungi. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the awareness and knowledge of childhood scabies and ringworm infestations among parents in Calabar, a highly humid rainforest tropical environment. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study design and systematic random sampling were used to recruit school-age children in selected primary schools in Calabar. Materials and Methods: Researcher-driven administration of a structured questionnaire was conducted to obtain quantitative data from parents of recruited children. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square was used to assess factors associated with ever hearing or seeing scabies and ringworm infestations. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: One hundred and eighty-two (56.7%) and 218 (67.9%) of the respondents had heard of or seen scabies and ringworm infestation. Among respondents that were aware of scabies, 53.3% knew of the cause, 50.5% were aware of the risk factors while 68.1% and 78.0% knew their treatment and prevention, respectively; 98.6%, 60.6%, 76.6%, and 80.7% of respondents knew the cause, risk factors, treatment, and prevention of ringworm infestation, respectively. Fathers with at least secondary school literacy level and sharing beds were significantly associated with awareness of scabies. Conclusion: There is a suboptimal level of awareness and knowledge of two of the most common superficial skin infestations among parents of primary school children in the study setting. There is a need to redouble our effort at sensitization of parents toward improved awareness of these common infestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Yaws is a disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, which is most commonly seen among children below 15 years. In the twentieth century yaws was endemic in Nigeria but eradication strategies markedly reduced the disease burden. Currently there is minimal data on the ongoing transmission of yaws in Nigeria, despite reports of confirmed yaws cases in neighbouring West African countries. Methods: We conducted both community and school-based active yaws case search among school-aged children in southeast Nigeria. Children were screened by trained community volunteers. Suspected yaws cases were clinically reviewed and tested using rapid diagnostic serological tests. Results: Between February and May 2021, up to 28 trained community volunteers screened a total of 105,015 school children for yaws. Overall, 7,706 children with various skin lesions were identified. Eight (8) suspected cases of yaws were reported, reviewed and screened, but none was confirmed using rapid diagnostic tests. The four most common skin conditions identified were scabies (39%), papular urticaria (29%), tinea corporis (14%) and tinea capitis (12%). Conclusions: No case of yaws was confirmed in this large population of children in south-east Nigeria. Continuous community awareness and yaws case finding activities have been recommended across Nigeria. Author summary: In our research, we searched for a disease called yaws, which is caused by a type of bacteria. Yaws mostly affects children under 15 years old. In the past, yaws was a big problem in Nigeria, but efforts to get rid of the disease have been successful in reducing the number of cases. However, we still needed to check if yaws is still spreading in Nigeria. Even though other nearby countries reported cases of yaws, there wasn't much information about what was happening in Nigeria. So, we did a study in southeast Nigeria. We looked for yaws in school-aged children by visiting communities and schools. If a child had skin problems that looked like yaws, we checked them carefully and used quick tests to see if they had yaws. After checking about 105,015 schoolchildren, we found 7,706 children with skin issues, but when we tested them for yaws, none of them actually had the disease. The most common skin problems we found were scabies, a kind of rash (papular urticaria), and some fungal skin infections. We suggest that Nigeria should keep looking for cases, just to be sure the disease doesn't come back. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is a zoonotic fungal skin infection caused predominantly by Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton spp. It is highly transmissible and, while normally self-limiting, could be problematic due to its potential to cause disease in certain human populations. The occurrence and associated risk factors of dermatophytoses in dogs presented at three veterinary clinics in Osogbo, and Ilorin, Nigeria between July and November 2019 were investigated in this study. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 325 dogs with lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis, selected by simple random sampling from three veterinary clinics in Osogbo and Ilorin, purposively selected for the study due to high patronage of the veterinary hospitals by dog owners. Using conventional mycological sampling techniques, plucked hairs and skin scrapings were obtained the dogs. The samples were emulsified in 10% potassium hydroxide, examined microscopically for fungal elements and cultured using standard mycological procedures. Information on dog demographic characteristics and risk factors for dermatophytosis were collected using structured questionnaire. The association between risk factors and demographic variables with the occurrence of dermatophytoses was determined using Chi-square test (with Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval) and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Positive cultures for dermatophytes were obtained from samples of 48 (14.8%) dogs with M. canis 37.5% (18/48), M. gypseum 27.0% (13/48) and T. mentagrophytes 8.3% (4/48). Other fungi identified were Aspergillus flavus 12.5% (6/48) and Malassezia canis 12.5% (6/48). The age distribution of positive dogs were < 1 year (50.0%, n=24), 1-3 years (29.2%, n=14) and > 3 years (20.8%, n=10), while the risk factors associated with dermatophytosis included sex of dogs (p=0.0428), history of dermatophytosis (p<0.0001), clinical presentation (p<0.0001) and lesion type, especially kerion and pustular lesions (p=0.0297). Conclusion: These findings established the occurrence of dermatophytosis in dogs kept for companionship (i. e., pets), security and breeding purposes in the two States in Nigeria. Our findings underscore the need for routine mycological investigations in dogs to facilitate early detection of cases and prompt institution of treatment interventions, thereby preventing zoonotic transmission of dermatophytes to their owners, handlers and veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a young 26-year-old Nigerian man who presented with a 3-year history of itchy skin lesions with centrifugal growth. The clinical diagnosis of tinea corporis was confirmed by direct microscopy and fungal culture of skin scrapings, with the identification of "Trichophyton rubrum." Treatment included terbinafine with the almost total disappearance of the lesions in three months leading to the replacement of terbinafine with fluconazole for an additional month.

Background: Superficial fungal infections can lead to systemic infection in immunecompromised individuals. Acacia nilotica pod have been used ethnomedical to treat dermatophytes infection for ages. In this study, the anti-dermatophytes potential of silver nanoparticles biogenically synthesized using extracts from the pod of A. nilotica against dermatophytes isolated from secondary care hospital in Damaturu, North-East Nigeria. Experimental:Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis were conducted to screen the phytoconstituents of the plant material. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by Uv-vis, FT-IR, and SEM. 133 samples (skin scraping) were screened for dermatophytes and antifungal susceptibility testing were conducted against the isolates using the aqueous, methanolic extracts, and AgNPs. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, oxalate, quinones, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, GS-MS revealed the presence Polyphenolics including Hexadecenoic, Octadecanoic and Undecanoic acids, Catechol, pyrogallol, 3-methylpyridine, and methyl mannose. Uv-vis of synthesized AgNPs exhibited double sharp absorbance at 308nm and 311nm, FT-IR showed functional groups, thus, OH, C - H, C≡N, and C=O stretches of phenolics, alkenes, nitrile, and ketones respectively, and SEM showed various characteristic shapes and sizes. out of 133 samples collected, 54% were male and the age group with the highest clinical presentation were51 - 60, followed by 1 - 10years. according to clinical presentation, Tinea pedis (36%) and T. capitis (29%) were the commonest which may be due to constant contact with water and limited hair care. Aetiologic agents isolated include Trichophyton mentagrophyles (51%), T. rubrum (34%), and T. tonsurans (14%), although, there is no significant relationship between the clinical presentation and disease agent (p-value < 21.3 at 95% confidence level). AgNPs showed wider consistent zones of inhibitions against all the isolates. Discussion: A. nilotica is indeed very rich in polyphenolics. Foot and hair infections commonest in the study could be due to current weather conditions but sharing of footwear, caps, and brushes should be discouraged. Conclusion: This study opens up possibilities for exploration of this eco and economic approach of improving the medicinal value of plants, an opportunity the pharmaceutical industries can utilize. This study is the first to report prevalence of dermatophytes in the area and explored the AgNPs against it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The myriad of coexisting risk factors for tinea capitis (TC) in parts of Africa makes it common among schoolchildren from this region. Diagnosis ideally involves microscopy and culture of scalp scrapings, which is not always feasible in resource‐poor settings. Small‐scale reports have identified trichoscopy (dermoscopy of hair and surrounding skin) as a cheap, quick, and simple tool for evaluating TC. We sought to describe the trichoscopic features of TC among Nigerian children. Methods: A total of 204 children with clinically diagnosed TC had trichoscopy of their scalp lesions and culture of scalp scrapings. Trichoscopic features and culture results were noted. Results: Perifollicular scaling (78.4%), interfollicular scaling (69.1%), and black dots (44.1%) were the commonest trichoscopic features. Others include regrowing hairs (18.6%), comma hairs (14.7%), broken hairs (13.2%), corkscrew hairs (3.4%), zigzag hairs (2.5%), and peripilar casts (2.0%). All children with comma, corkscrew, and zigzag hairs, as well as most with black dots (88.9%), broken hairs (88.9%), and regrowing hairs (77.5%) had positive cultures, irrespective of the isolated dermatophyte. Comma hairs were specific for Tinea infection with positive culture of dermatophytes. The presence of black dots in combination with individual features like broken hairs, regrowing hairs, perifollicular scaling, or interfollicular scaling also had a high specificity for positive cultures. Conclusion: In the management of children with TC, trichoscopy is useful as a diagnostic tool, especially where access to laboratory evaluation is either not instant or unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Dermatophytosis is an infection of the superficial, keratinized structures of the skin, nails, and hair of man and animals caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes in the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. The prevalence of dermatophytosis among cattle in Nigeria and Plateau State, in particular, is yet to be fully determined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and thirty-seven cattle showing visible skin lesions suggestive of dermatophytosis were drawn from nine local government areas (three each) from the three senatorial districts of Plateau State, Nigeria. Skin scrapings were aseptically collected using a cross-sectional study, in which sampling units were selected using purposive sampling method. Samples were processed for both direct microscopic examination and isolation of dermatophytes in culture. The isolates were stained with lactophenol cotton blue and identified microscopically based on the size, shape, and arrangement of macro- and micro-conidia. The dermatophytes were further identified by determining the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions of their ribosomal DNA. Data were analyzed and presented as percentages, bar graph, and Chi-square test of association. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence rate of bovine dermatophytosis in Plateau State was found to be 11.0%. Trichophyton verrucosum was more frequently isolated (54.2%) than Trichophyton mentagrophytes (45.8%). Age, breed, management practice, and season were significantly associated with the occurrence of the disease (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dermatophytosis among cattle may be of public health significance in Plateau State, Nigeria. This is the first report on the prevalence and distribution of dermatophytosis lesions on cattle from Plateau State, Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious dermatoses are rife in low resource tropical countries. The consultative roles of clinical microbiologists in these countries are not portrayed in the literature. Specifically, their role in the management of infectious dermatoses has not been emphasized. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and pattern of infectious dermatoses referrals to an out-patient infectious disease clinic run by clinical microbiologists. Method: A retrospective analysis of all outpatient referrals to the clinical microbiologists in a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria from October 2016 to September 2018 was conducted. The infectious dermatoses referrals were further analysed for patient demographics and frequency of clinical diagnosis. Results: A total of 545 consults were received, 82 (15.0%) of which were outpatient referrals. Infectious dermatoses accounted for 67 (81.7%) of the outpatient referrals. The male to female ratio was 0.9:1 and mean age was 39.7 ± 17.9 years. Paediatric referrals accounted for 10.4%. The commonest referral diagnoses were tinea corporis/capitis in 28 (41.8%), onchodermatitis in 15 (22.4%) and onychomycosis in 10 (14.9%). Leprosy was suspected in 5 cases (7.5%), lymphatic filariasis in 5 cases (7.5%), and pityriasis in 2 cases (3.0%). Referral diagnosis in 27 cases (38.8%) was a skin-related neglected tropical disease. Microbiological testing confirmed clinical suspicion in 31.3% of cases. Conclusion: Infectious dermatoses referrals constitute a substantial proportion of referrals to clinical microbiologists in the study location. Clinical microbiologists must be adept in the diagnosis of mycotic and parasitic dermatoses. The trending global health interest in integrated management of skin NTDs should be exploited to advocate for more sensitive diagnostic testing for infectious dermatoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: To determine the pattern of psychiatric morbidity prevalent among leprosy patients and to compare it with two control groups; those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and Normal subjects. Design: Eighty-eight leprosy patients were matched for age and sex with those suffering from Tinea vesicolor as well as normal subjects. The subjects were assessed for psychiatric morbidity through a clinical interview with PSE-9. Results: The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among leprosy patients (580/1000) was significantly more than those with tinea vesicolor patients (182/1000) and normal subjects (148/1000) (p Conclusions: Leprosy patients are more likely to manifest with psychiatric illness than those suffering from Tinea vesicolor and normal subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study shows that in a particular Nigerian school the number of persistent asymptomatic carriers of M. audouini is almost 10%. All cases except one became culturally negative after 8 months. Griseofulvin administration did not appear to influence the rate of clearing. The method described should be of use to epidemologists outside Nigeria as results show it be to superior to existing methods of study and applicable equally to fluorescent and non-fluorescent ringworm. There is evidence that adults may participate in the dissemination of M. audouini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinea capitis is a fungi infection of the scalp that disproportionately affects children in rural and underserved communities in Nigeria. A case-control study was conducted to identify the causative agents and factors that predispose school pupils to tinea capitis in two selected government-owned public primary schools in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 230 participants were included in the study: 115 cases and 115 controls. Head scrapings were collected from pupils with suspected T. capitis lesions, viewed under Potassium Hydroxide smear microscopy and cultured in Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) for characteristic fungal elements. A total of 105 (91%) samples were successfully cultured, of which 56% (59/105) were from male pupils. Tricophyton rubrum (34%), Tricophyton mentagrophyte (31%) and Microsporum canis (18%) were the most prevalent organisms. Other dermatophytes obtained include Microsporum nanuum (3%), Epidermophyton floccusum (6%), Tricophyton verucosum (1%), and Microsporum gypseum (8%). Pupils between the ages of 4 and 7 years had the highest distribution (67%) followed by those between the ages of 8 and 11 years (39%). Playing with animals, the sharing of combs and not bathing with soap were significantly associated with tinea capitis infection (P < 0.05) in each case. This study showed a high prevalence of tinea capitis caused by the identified dermatophytes in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]