Fungal Ringworm Sexually Transmitted Infection Detected in the US For the First Time; Here Are the Symptoms To Watch Out For

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Healthcare officials have issued warnings that follow the first detection of a sexually transmitted ringworm infection in the US.

This fungal ringworm is highly contagious and has never been seen in the US before.

Ringworm STI Detected in the US For the First Time

Ringworm broadly comprises skin infections due to different fungal species. These include jock itch and athlete's foot.

However, a rare ringworm sexually transmitted infection (STI) called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII has been seen in the US for the first time.

Previously, the ringworm had been observed in Europe and Southeast Asia. Now, doctors from the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University have described what could be the first case in the US of the fungal ringworm infection. They documented this in the "Potential Sexual Transmission of Tinea Pubogenitalis From TMVII" report.

The case involves a man who is in his 30s who ended up developing red and scaly patches around his buttocks, genitals, and groin. Such patches were also seen in the man's legs, arms, and back.

The man just went back to New York after traveling to California, Greece, and England when the rashes started to surface.

The patient reportedly had several male sexual partners during his travels. However, none of these partners exhibited similar rashes.

Through a skin biopsy, it was confirmed that the patient's rash was due to a ringworm. The man was then given an antifungal treatment prescription.

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Sexually Transmitted Ringworm Infection

After initial treatments were shown to be unsuccessful, the doctors looked into the fungus. They then discovered that it was actually Trichophyton mentagrophytes. They then adjusted the man's regimen.

While TMVII infections could take months to clear out even when medications are used, the terbinafine antifungal drug appeared to be quite effective.

The ringworm can display itself like a usual ringworm infection, which has a red rash that is ring-shaped, especially around the genital area and the thigh. However, according to the man's doctors, the Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection could be more inflammatory and lead to scarring and abscesses if it were not treated.

Avrom Caplan, the first author of the study, noted that the rash could have the appearance of an eczema flare-up rather than the usual circles that ringworms form.

The authors noted that it is important for dermatologists in the US to be aware of the ringworm STI. Transmission and scarring risks could be reduced with prompt treatment.

It is also crucial for patients to be transparent with their doctors regarding persistent or new rashes in the genital area. They may also share their sexual history if it is relevant.

Dr. John Zampella, a senior author of the study and an associate dermatology professor from the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University, explained that patients typically feel reluctant to be open about genital issues.

Because of this, doctors need to ask directly about rashes in the buttocks and groin. This is especially the case for individuals who are sexually active, have traveled abroad recently, and report other areas in the body that are itchy.