Doctors are sounding the alarm about the spread of a rare, highly contagious fungal infection that is transmitted through sex, after treating a man who developed a rash on his penis, thighs and buttocks.
The New York patient is the first documented case of transmission of the fungus through sexual contact.
The infection, which is a rare type of ringworm, has been described by New York University experts as a “potential public health threat.”
Ringworm, sometimes called “jock itch” when it affects the groin, is a common mold-like parasite that lives in the body and is spread through contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of ringworm usually appear four to 14 days after exposure and include an itchy rash that appears circular, as well as redness, peeling, flaking, or cracking of the skin.
The condition can be extremely difficult to cure and often takes months to treat with multiple medications and therapies.
The patient was a man in his thirties who visited the doctor because he developed a rash on his penis, thighs, and buttocks after having multiple male sexual partners in the previous weeks.
After taking a skin biopsy of her rash, she was diagnosed with tinea pubogenitalis, a rare sexually transmitted form of jock itch.
While ringworm in the groin has been seen before, researchers said this is the first case in which tinea pubogenitalis was transmitted to the area through sexual contact.
The condition is caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII) and cases have been increasing across Europe.
Thirteen were reported in France last year, mostly in men who have sex with men.
Lead author and dermatologist Dr. Avrom Caplan, a professor at New York University School of Medicine, said: “Healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is the latest in a group of skin infections. that have reached the United States.
The New York patient reported a recent trip to England and Greece, where he reported having sexual relations with several men.
The study’s lead author, Dr. John Zampella, also a professor at New York University School of Medicine, said: “Since patients are often reluctant to talk about genital problems, doctors should ask directly about the rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially in those who are sexually active.” I have recently traveled abroad and report itching in other parts of my body.
The man was initially given antifungal medication for four weeks but saw no improvement and then received another antifungal treatment for six weeks.
However, “due to a persistent infection,” she was given a third antifungal for several more weeks until the rash cleared up.
The New York patient was diagnosed with the rare disease tinea pubogenitalis, a sexually transmitted form of ringworm.
Ringworm, also known as athlete’s foot when it occurs on the feet, can affect the skin, hair and nails and can also spread through contaminated surfaces such as showers or shared barber clippers.
Symptoms usually appear four to 14 days after exposure and include an itchy, circular-appearing rash, as well as redness, peeling, flaking, or cracking of the skin.
Although the New York researchers warned that the rashes experienced by sufferers of tinea pubogenitalis may present differently and could be confused with eczema, leaving patients without relief for months.
Treatment for the infection includes over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, lotions, powders, or sprays, but it can take months to clear up. Prescription antifungals may be prescribed for difficult-to-treat cases.
Dr. Zampella added that although infections caused by TMVII are difficult to treat and can take months to resolve, they appear to respond effectively to standard antifungal treatments.
Following the report of the case, New York University researchers alerted the New York State Department of Health and plan to partner with leading fungal experts around the world to expand research efforts into newer fungal conditions and track emerging cases.
The findings were published in the journal. JAMA Dermatology.