Epidemiological aspects of superficial fungal infections in Koranic schools in two localities of Senegal (Thies and Touba)

BACKGROUND In developing countries, superficial fungal infections (SFI) are endemic and cause a therapeutic problem because of the duration and cost of treatment. Community living and promiscuity are key factors in the direct or indirect transmission and spread of these diseases. OBJECTIVES The objective was to study the epidemiological aspects of SFI, among koranic school children in two localities in Senegal. PATIENTS/METHODS School koranic students were recruited in Thies and Touba. Diagnosis of fungal diseases was carried out using conventional techniques (microscopic examination and culture). RESULTS Among 210 children, the overall prevalence of SFI was 25.71%, with 27.63% in Touba and 20.68% in Thies. The clinical lesions were epidermophytosis (0.5%), intertrigo (0.9%), palmoplantar keratoderma (KPP) (0.9%), onychomycosis (7.7%) and tinea capitis (TC) (90%). The species responsible for the SFI were Trichophyton soudanense (85.18%), Microsporum audouinii langeronii (9.25%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.70%) and Chrysosporium keratinophilum (1.85%). The prevalence of infection was higher among boys (85.18%). CONCLUSION Superficial fungal infections are prevalent in koranic school children and attention should be given to non-dermatophytic species that could be responsible for SFI.