Changes in the Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Trichophyton verrucosum Infection

Background: Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum) is a zoophilic dermatophyte that causes ringworm in cattle and is prevalent worldwide. This dermatophyte may be responsible for various conditions, especially inflammatory skin lesions. Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of T. verrucosum infections in southeastern Korea. Methods: A total of 34 patients who visited the Catholic Skin Clinic and the Kyungpook National University Hospital in Daegu, Korea from 2005 to 2017 were diagnosed with T. verrucosum infection. The diagnosis was confirmed using fungal culture. The data were based on a retrospective survey of the medical records. Results: The annual incidence of T. verrucosum infection was very low. There was no difference in the sexual incidence. T. verrucosum infection was most common among subjects in their fifties and sixties. The highest incidence was during the month of September. The arm was most frequently involved, followed by the face. This infection was predominant in patients living in rural areas. Conclusion: These clinicoepidemiological findings provide useful information for understanding the changes in the infection caused by T. verrucosum. In particular, it was interesting to note that the incidence was very low, majority of the affected subjects were in their fifties and sixties, and the most commonly affected site was the arm.