Trichophyton indotineae

Aug. 10, 2024

The rise of drug-resistant fungal infections, notably Trichophyton indotineae, is emerging as a significant health concern in India.

About Trichophyton indotineae:

  • It is a dermatophyte commonly known as ringworm or jock itch.
  • First identified in India, this fungus has now spread to several countries worldwide.
  • It belongs to genotype VIII within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species
  • The inappropriate use of steroid creams has exacerbated the problem, making this strain particularly hard to treat. 
  • Challenges and Symptoms 
    • Patients often present with persistent, treatment-resistant rashes that can easily be mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions, delaying effective treatment.
    • The misdiagnosis of these infections often leads to the use of ineffective treatments, which not only prolongs patient suffering but also allows the infection to worsen. 
    • Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment can lead to the spread of the infection, not only worsening the individual’s condition but also increasing the risk of transmission within the community.
  • Treatment
    • For infections resistant to standard antifungal medications, alternative treatments such as itraconazole are available but will require close monitoring by healthcare providers. 
    • In addition to antifungal medications, integrating comprehensive skin care regimens can enhance treatment efficacy.