Health care professionals revealed on Wednesday that a novel sexually transmitted fungus infection has been identified for the first time in the United States. The infection, caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), was detected in a man from New York City in his 30s. The man developed a rash on his penis, buttocks, and limbs after traveling to England, Greece, and California.
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, revealed that TMVII is highly contagious and can take months to clear up, even with treatment. The man received multiple treatments, including fluconazole, terbinafine, and itraconazole, before the infection healed after four and a half months.
This new form of ringworm spreads through sexual contact and causes skin rashes that can appear on the face, limbs, groin, and feet. Unlike typical ringworm, which forms neat circles, TMVII rashes might look like eczema, leading to delayed treatment.
Health experts from NYU Langone Health, who conducted the study, emphasized the importance of awareness among clinicians. Dr. John Zampella, one of the study’s authors, advised physicians to directly ask patients about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have traveled abroad recently, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body.
The infection is not currently widespread in the U.S., with only one reported case. However, it has been spreading in Europe, mostly among men who have sex with men. In 2023, France reported 13 cases of TMVII, primarily in this demographic. The New York man had sex with multiple male partners during his trip, though none reported similar symptoms.
Dr. Avrom Caplan, the study’s lead author, highlighted the need for increased awareness about this infection among both healthcare providers and patients. He stressed that TMVII is different from mpox, which caused a global health emergency from 2022 to 2023. While mpox, previously known as monkeypox, can also cause a rash, it is a virus, not a fungal infection.
The New York case responded to standard antifungal treatments, but some other fungal infections, like Trichophyton indotineae, are less responsive. This particular infection, widespread in India, has also been reported in the U.S. and often resists terbinafine treatment.
Researchers found that Trichophyton indotineae infections responded better to itraconazole, though this drug can have side effects like nausea and diarrhea. The study suggests that healthcare providers should be on the lookout for both types of fungal infections.
Dr. Caplan urged people with persistent, painful, itchy, or inflamed lesions in the genital area to seek medical advice. He also noted that fungal infections can be challenging to treat, and timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
