Pediatric tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton soudanense in Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Background Tinea capitis is a common pediatric dermatophyte infection. Its main pathogen in the United States is Trichophyton tonsurans accounting for greater than 95% of the infections. Other pathogens including Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton soudanense are common in Africa. Although rare in the United States, their prevalence is increasing, possibly because of immigration patterns. We evaluated the demographic characteristics, treatments, and resolution among pediatric patients with T. violaceum and T. soudanense infections. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, with cultures positive for T. violaceum and T. soudanense from 1997 to 2014. Age at presentation, ethnic background, date and location of culture, and treatment were extracted. Results In total, 81 children (age