Journal of
Yeast and Fungal Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Yeast Fungal Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2413
  • DOI: 10.5897/JYFR
  • Start Year: 2010
  • Published Articles: 131

Full Length Research Paper

Epidemiological aspects of tinea capitis among children attending to Koranic schools in Senegal (Thiés)

Khadime Sylla
  • Khadime Sylla
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Souleye Lelo
  • Souleye Lelo
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Ibrahima Diop
  • Ibrahima Diop
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Cheikh Binetou Fall
  • Cheikh Binetou Fall
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Issac Akhenaton Manga
  • Issac Akhenaton Manga
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Magatte Ndiaye
  • Magatte Ndiaye
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Doudou Sow
  • Doudou Sow
  • Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université de Saint Louis, UFR Santé, Sénégal.
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Roger Clement Tine
  • Roger Clement Tine
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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Babacar Faye
  • Babacar Faye
  • Departement of Parasitology-Mycology, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal.
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  •  Received: 07 August 2023
  •  Accepted: 12 October 2023
  •  Published: 31 October 2023

Abstract

Scalp ringworms or tinea capitis are the most common superficial fungal infections of the scalp and hair in the world with high prevalence in pediatric population. This study was to assess the prevalence of tinea capitis and its risk factors among residents of Koranic schools located in the Thiès region of Senegal. A cross-sectional survey was performed from February 2019 to March 2020. Socio-demographic, clinical and biological data were collected using standard questionnaire. Samples collected were examined using direct microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud- Chloramphenicol and Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol-Actidione medium. Risk factors were assessed by multivariate survey logistic regression models. Significance level was 0.05 two-sided. A total of 110 children with mean age of 9 years were included. Study population was predominantly male (96.4%). The average number of residents in Koranic schools was 112. The prevalence of scalp ringworms was 68.2% [(75/110) (95% CI: 53.6 - 85.5)]. Trichophyton soudanense (93.4%) and Microsporum audouinii (2.7%) were main fungal species. Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton violaceum were found with each (1.3%). Parasitism was endothrix in 86.7%. Prevalence was higher in children aged over 10 years [(72.9%), OR =2.16, CI (0.48 – 9.69)]. Children with irregular-edged plaques were most affected (76.5%). Prevalence was higher among children who slept as more than 3 per mattress (79.1%), OR=1.82 (95% CI: 1.08 - 3.04). These results showed that tinea capitis are frequent in children. T. soudanense is the main fungal species. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of these diseases and improved living conditions for children could help improve patient management.

 

Key words: Tinea capitis, epidemiology, children, Koranic schools, Senegal.