New York City Witnesses First Case of Drug-Resistant Ringworm
A recent report from the CDC revealed two cases of a rare drug-resistant strain of ringworm in New York City women, both occurring in 2021 and 2022. These instances mark the first reported cases of this form of ringworm in the United States.
Contrary to its misleading name, ringworm is not caused by worms but instead by a variety of fungal species, in this case, triggered by the recently discovered Trichophyton strain. Typically, ringworm appears in the form of a mild, patchy skin rash with a circular edge, often itchy and uncomfortable.
The first patient, a 28-year-old woman, began developing symptoms in the summer of 2021, reportedly lacking any international travel history or contact with infected individuals. The second patient, a 47-year-old woman, contracted the infection while visiting Bangladesh in the summer of 2022 and experienced persistent symptoms despite treatment in the United States.
The first patient's doctor prescribed her Terbinafin, a common antifungal medication, for two weeks, but as symptoms worsened, they switched to Itraconazole, a medication commonly used to treat fungal infections in the mouth and throat. Without any improvement in symptoms, after attempting oral Terbinafin, the patient eventually responded to a four-week regimen of Griseofulvin.
Despite the antibiotic resistant nature of this strain, experts like Dr. Priya Soni, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's pediatric infectious diseases specialist, are hopeful. By identifying this strain, healthcare providers are now better prepared to manage head-to-head with similar outbreaks in the future.
Disseminated Ringworm: A Growing Concern
Healthcare providers are urging caution amidst the increasing prevalence of disseminated ringworm, a more severe form of the infection that can affect non-dermal organs in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Warnings and Prevention Measures
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as clothes, combs, or hats, with people suffering from ringworm.
- Practice proper hand hygiene, as ringworm can often spread through contact.
- Maintain cleanliness by drying your feet before putting on socks and shoes.
- Avoid close contact with animals and wash your hands after touching them, particularly if they've been diagnosed with ringworm.
In conclusion, the first reported case of drug-resistant ringworm in the United States presents an opportunity to better understand and manage the condition in the future. While the strain is a cause for concern, it highlights the need for healthcare providers to stay updated on emerging strains and adapt treatment plans accordingly.
