Adult With Tinea Capitis: A Five-Year (2015-2019) Trend Study Among Patients Attending the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal.

Abstract

Background: Although tinea capitis (TC) is most commonly diagnosed in children, several studies have also shown that it is far from unusual in adults.

Objectives: To determine the frequency and risk factors of TC in adults in Dakar, Senegal.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study including all patients who visited the Parasitology and Mycology Lab at Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital for suspicion of TC was conducted from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The diagnosis was performed using conventional techniques.

Results: In sum, 458 adults were included. The majority (89%) were female. The patients' mean age was 35 ± 12 years (ranges: 18-84). Of the 458, 92 (20%) were confirmed with TC. The frequency trend, by year, showed a significant decrease ranging from 26.3% in 2015 to 19.2% in 2019. By sex, females (20.5%) were more affected than males (17.6%). According to age, the elderly present the highest infestation rate (36.4%). TC was diagnosed alone in 91.3%. T. soudanense (57.6%) was the most common species, followed by M. audouinii (34.8%).

Conclusion: TC is frequent among adults in Senegal, particularly in women, and the main causal agent is T. soudanense. Its duration seems to indicate a chronic form previously acquired between 1 and 10 years ago. Thus, early management will be essential to avoid epidemic proportions.