# Tinea Capitis at Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat, Morocco: Epidemiological and Etiological Study Over 25 Years (From 1997 to 2021)

## TL;DR

This study analyzed 25 years of tinea capitis cases in Morocco, finding that children are most affected and that the types of fungi causing the infection have changed over time.

## Contribution

The study provides a long-term epidemiological and etiological analysis of tinea capitis in a Moroccan hospital setting.

## Key findings

- Children accounted for 86.23% of tinea capitis cases, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.77.
- Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum canis were the most common fungal species identified.
- Zoophilic species increased over time, while anthropophilic species decreased.

## Abstract

Introduction/Objective

In Morocco, tinea capitis is a common reason for consultation, especially in children. Our study aimed to determine the epidemiology of tinea capitis in the Central Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology at the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center (UHC) in Rabat.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study conducted over 25 years (from 1997 to 2021). It included 247 patients with lesions suggestive of tinea capitis, who underwent a mycological examination.

Results

Among 594 requests for the diagnosis of tinea capitis, 247 cases were positive. A clear predominance of children (86.23%; n=213) as compared to adults (13.77%; n=34) was observed. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.77. Hair parasitism was mainly dominated by the pure endothrix type 54.47% (n=122). The two most frequently isolated species were Trichophyton violaceum (51.24%; n=125) and Microsporum canis (36.06%; n=88). In children, these two species represented 47.42% (n=101) and 41.31% (n=88), respectively. In adults, Trichophyton violaceum was the predominant species, accounting for 77.42% (n=24); in females, it was 76.41% (n=68); and Microsporum canis was predominant in males (50.32%; n=78).

Conclusion

The epidemiology of this condition is in a constant state of flux, influenced by various lifestyle factors. Our research unveiled a notable upward trend in zoophilic species over the 25-year study period, while conversely, anthropophilic species demonstrated a discernible decline.