Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII, an emerging infection: a Systematic Review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the past few years there has been a dramatic change in the prevalence of the genotype VII of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a dermatophyte fungus commonly found in wild, terrestrial and burrowing animals such as rabbits, that has now adapted to an anthropophilic environment and is responsible of an emerging zoonosis. STUDY DESIGN: A thorough background research and a systematic review have been done to show the effect of this emerging dermatophytic infection on humans. METHODS: Three electronic databases were searched for eligible studies: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. All the articles found were then screened, first, by title and abstract and, then, by full text. A quality assessment was done using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). RESULTS: 28 articles were found. 4 of which were included in this review. These articles were produced in France, Switzerland, the USA and Germany. They showed interesting clinical evidence regarding how this inter-human multidrug resistant mycosis could easily become an epidemic sexually transmitted infection. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review emphasizes how the spread of this pathogen, genotype VII, in humans must not be underestimated. Consequently, in order to facilitate early intervention and, thus, avoid a multi resistant epidemic growth of this infection, new diagnostic measures are required.