Tinea capitis among primary school children in Anambra state of Nigeria

Tinea capitis continues to be a common problem of infancy and childhood, particularly among those living in unhygienic crowded conditions. The prevalence and aetiology of tinea capitis have not been well defined in Anambra state of Nigeria - hence the need to undertake this study. A total of 47 723 primary school children residing in different regions of the State was screened for tinea capitis between 2002 and 2005. Of this number, 4498 (9.4%) had tinea capitis. The highest prevalence of the disease occurred in the Southern region of the state (12.6%). Schools in urban areas recorded lower prevalence of the disease. Male : female prevalence ratio of 1.6 : 1 was recorded. Tinea capitis occurred significantly more in children below 10 years of age than in those above this age (χ² = 3.178; P < 0.10). Of 502 isolates recovered in culture, Microsporum audouinii was the most prevalent (42%), followed by M. ferrugineum (17%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (16%). Four of the samples revealed spore head of Aspergillus spp. in direct sample microscopy. A total of 29 (6%) isolates was atypical forms. The majority (91%) of children with the lesion came from families of three or more children, living in crowded apartments. Results showed that tinea capitis remains an important public health problem in Anambra state of Nigeria.