Cases of ringworm, caused by Trichophyton indotineae, were diagnosed in women aged 28 and 47 in New York City who had lesions on their necks, abdomens, thighs and buttocks, the CDC said.
“A New York City dermatologist notified public health officials of two patients with severe ringworm that did not improve with oral terbinafine, raising concerns about an underlying T. indotineae infection,” noting that these patients did not share a common link in epidemiological features.
An outbreak of the rapidly spreading Trypanosoma indocolii in India and other neighboring countries has escalated into an epidemic.
The 28-year-old man had no recent travel history, suggesting possible local transmission in the United States. Other potential U.S. cases are under investigation.
“Health care providers should consider T. indotineae infection in patients with generalized ringworm, especially when the rash does not improve with first-line topical antifungal drugs or oral terbinafine,” the CDC said.
Ringworm, commonly referred to as “ringworm,” is most commonly caused by dermatophytes belonging to the genus Trichophyton.
Infection spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact with infected animals or humans, secondary transmission from other affected body parts and fomites.
View the full CDC statement here.
For more information on Trichophyton indotineae at the National Library of Medicine, click here.
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