Newly Emerged Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections: Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII and Trichophyton indotineae - Unresponsive to Standard Therapies
Both TMVII and Trichophyton indotineae cause skin rashes or tinea, can be confused with eczema lesions
Experts warning about new, contagious forms of ringworm or jock itch in US: Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII and Trichophyton indotineae
First reported case of TMVII in NYC man who traveled to Europe and California, had multiple male sex partners
Important for healthcare providers to ask about rashes around groin and buttocks for sexually active individuals who have recently traveled abroad
May not respond to standard antifungal therapies like terbinafine, alternative treatments like itraconazole may be necessary
Experts are warning healthcare providers and the public about the emergence of new and highly contagious forms of ringworm or jock itch in the United States. These fungal infections, which can take months to clear up even with treatment, have been identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII) and Trichophyton indotineae. The first reported case of TMVII was documented in an NYC man who had traveled to Europe and California and had multiple male sex partners. This sexually transmitted infection has also been on the rise in Europe, particularly among men who have sex with men.
The New York State Department of Health is partnering with NYU Langone Health to investigate the largest group of patients in the country with this fungal strain that resists standard therapies. Both TMVII and Trichophyton indotineae often cause skin rashes, or tinea, and can be confused with lesions caused by eczema.
Healthcare providers should ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks for sexually active individuals who have recently traveled abroad. It is important to note that these infections may not respond to standard antifungal therapies such as terbinafine, and alternative treatments like itraconazole may be necessary.
While US rates of these fungal infections remain low, healthcare providers should stay informed about their signs and symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. It is also crucial for individuals to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with infected individuals to prevent the spread of these contagious fungi.
An NYC man in his 30s is the first reported case of a sexually transmitted form of ringworm called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII) in the US.
The man had traveled to England, Greece and California before developing a rash on his penis, buttocks and limbs.
Healthcare providers should ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks for sexually active individuals who have recently traveled abroad.
Accuracy
The tinea explored in the new reports can look very different from the neat, regular circles seen in most forms of ringworm and may be confused for lesions caused by eczema.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), the sexually transmitted form of ringworm, has been increasingly diagnosed throughout Europe with 13 instances reported in France in 2023.
Patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, so physicians need to directly ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body.
Cases of the fungus are rare in the US, but people experiencing itchy eruptions in areas like the groin and buttocks should see a doctor.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(95%)
No formal fallacies found. However, there are some inflammatory rhetorical elements and a potential appeal to authority. The author uses phrases like 'highly contagious fungal strains', 'first reported case in the US', and 'on the rise in Europe, especially in men who have sex with men' to create a sense of urgency and fear around the topic. Additionally, there is an appeal to authority from Dr. Avrom S. Caplan and Dr. John G. Zampella, which provides credibility to the claims made in the article.
Health experts are warning of new and highly contagious fungal strains after an NYC man in his 30s developed a sexually transmitted form of ringworm — the first reported case in the US.
Cases of TMVII have been on the rise in Europe, especially in men who have sex with men.
An unidentified New Yorker became infected with Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, with a rash appearing on his penis, buttocks and limbs.
Healthcare providers should watch out for new and highly contagious forms of ringworm or jock itch, which are emerging as a potential public health threat.
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Accuracy
Standard antifungal therapies such as terbinafine may not clear up TMVII infections, but itraconazole has shown better results.
TMVII rashes may be confused with lesions caused by eczema, which can delay treatment.
A New York man became the first person in the US to contract a type of ringworm through sexual contact.
The man who contracted the disease had previously traveled to England, Greece and California and reported having sexual encounters during his trips.
Accuracy
The infection could be treated with typical antifungal medicines but may last for months before being fully cleared.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority and a potential dichotomous depiction. The author cites Dr. Avrom Caplan and Dr. John Zampella as authorities on the subject, which is a valid use of experts in reporting the story.
. . .Dr Avrom Caplan, an assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine's dermatology department said in the study.
A man in his 30s who developed tinea (ringworm) after traveling to Europe and California, and having multiple male sex partners was diagnosed with Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), a sexually transmitted fungus.
This fungus has been reported in patients who had contact with commercial sex workers in Southeast Asia and is circulating locally among men who have sex with men in Europe.
Accuracy
A man in his 30s developed tinea (ringworm) after traveling to Europe and California, and having multiple male sex partners.
The man was later diagnosed with Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), a sexually transmitted fungus.
TMVII rashes may be confused with lesions caused by eczema, which can delay treatment.
Standard antifungal therapies such as terbinafine may not clear up TMVII infections, but itraconazole has shown better results.
Trichophyton indotineae, another contagious skin infection that causes similar rashes, often resists terbinafine treatment and can be a greater challenge for dermatologists.
A sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a rare fungus, called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, has been reported for the first time in the United States.
The man who contracted the disease had previously traveled to England, Greece and California and reported having sexual encounters during his trips.
There is no evidence that this is widespread or that people need to be worried about it, but if individuals experience itchy eruptions in areas like the groin and it doesn’t improve, they should see a doctor.
The infection responded to standard anti-fungal medications but took four and a half months to heal fully.
Last year, doctors in France reported 13 such cases, with 12 of those patients being men who have sex with men.
Accuracy
The infection could be treated with typical antifungal medicines but may last for months before being fully cleared.
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(95%)
The article contains an appeal to authority when it quotes Dr. Avrom Caplan and Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, but no fallacies were found in the author's assertions.
“Oftentimes, what happens is that these patients receive multiple courses of antibacterial drugs which are not going to make the fungus better,” - Dr. Jeremy Gold
“We think a lot about antibacterial resistance, but this is a very important time for us to think about anti-fungus resistance.” - Mahmoud Ghannoum
