A new sexually transmitted fungal infection has been detected for the first time in the US, health experts announced Wednesday.
A study, published in the journal JAMA Dermatology on Wednesday reported that the first known case of this new form of ringworm in the U.S. was discovered in a man in his 30s. The man had traveled to England, Greece and California, and when he returned to New York City he developed tinea – a type of rash – on his penis, buttocks and limbs.
The new form of ringworm is “highly contagious,” according to a New York University (NYU) Langone Health press release about the study. The study, conducted by experts at the medical center and elsewhere, found that the new fungal infection can take months to go away, even when the patient receives treatment.
This fungus causes a rash, also known as tinea, that can spread to the face, limbs, groin and feet, according to a news release. But unlike the perfect circles typical of other forms of ringworm, tinea caused by this new fungal infection can be confused with lesions caused by eczema, which may cause people to not immediately seek appropriate treatment, the release states. press.
After some testing, health experts determined that the New Yorker had an infection caused by the species Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII — a form of sexually transmitted ringworm that has spread across Europe, according to the press release. In 2023, France reported 13 cases of the infection, mainly in men who have sex with men. The man in New York City said he had sex with several male partners during his trip, but none of them reported similar symptoms, the news release said.
This is “the latest in a group of serious skin infections” to arrive in the U.S., Dr. Avrom Caplan, lead study author and assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said in the press release.
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“Because patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, doctors need to ask directly about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad and report itchy areas elsewhere. of the body,” Dr. Zampella, one of the study authors and associate professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, in the press release.
These infections can be difficult to treat, but so far they appear to be responding to standard treatments, including terbinafine, according to Zampella. Terbinafine is an oral tablet that treats fungal infections, according to the Mayo clinic.
At the same time, Caplan warned that another skin infection that causes tinea is less responsive to standard treatments. In a study published in JAMA Dermatology In May, Caplan and other researchers examined Trichophyton indotinea, which is widespread in India and has been reported around the world. The first two cases of the infection in the US were reported in 2023, according to the study.
Just like Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, this infection also causes a contagious, itchy rash. But unlike Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII, this infection often resists terbinafine.
The researchers advised doctors to be on the lookout for symptoms of both infections in their patients, but added that rates are low so far in the US.
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This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
