All articles tagged with #trichophyton indotineae
A fungus identified as Trichophyton indotineae is causing ringworm infections worldwide and shows resistance to terbinafine antifungal medications. Cases have risen in 29 countries, from 237 in 2022 to 1,692 in 2025, highlighting a growing public health challenge and the need for early identification and action.
Researchers report a global uptick in infections from Trichophyton indotineae, a drug-resistant fungus linked to more severe ringworm. Using the MSI network and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, labs across 54 countries identified the fungus in 29 countries between 2022 and 2025, with identifications tripling and the share of Trichophyton spectra rising from 1.2% to 3.6%. The study maps lab detections—not exact case counts—and notes limited access to diagnostic tech in some regions, underscoring the need for broader surveillance and public-health action.
The CDC has reported the first case of a drug-resistant ringworm infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae in the US, which was found in two women in New York City. The infection is highly contagious and known for its widespread inflammation of certain parts of the body that leaves them inflamed and covered in plaque. Trichophyton indotineae is a highly transmissible and drug-resistant type of ringworm that emerged in South East Asia likely due to anti-fungal overuse.
New York City has reported two cases of a drug-resistant and highly contagious skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a species of dermatophyte mold commonly found in South Asia. The fungus is resistant to first-choice drugs but can be treated with other medications. The threat level is low for most people, but doctors should be aware of this rare condition. The biggest threat is chronic relapse, which is common among patients in other countries. Those who suspect they are infected should seek advice from a clinician instead of using over-the-counter creams or medications obtained through friends and loved ones.
Two women in New York City have been identified as the first cases of a highly transmissible, drug-resistant ringworm infection caused by the fungus Trichophyton indotineae in the United States. The infections have previously been found in South Asia. The infections cause a red, itchy rash on the skin that can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Health care providers should consider T. indotineae infection in patients with widespread tinea (ringworm), particularly when eruptions do not improve with first-line topical antifungal agents or oral terbinafine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the first cases of a severe drug-resistant skin infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae in the United States. The cases were diagnosed in two women in New York City who experienced lesions on their neck, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The infection spreads easily by skin-to-skin contact with infected animals or persons, secondary spread from other affected body sites, and fomites. Other potential US cases are under investigation. Healthcare providers should consider T. indotineae infection in patients with widespread tinea, particularly when eruptions do not improve with first-line topical antifungal agents or oral terbinafine.
Two cases of severe tinea caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a novel dermatophyte species that is highly transmissible and frequently resistant to terbinafine, have been reported in New York City. The cases highlight the potential for local transmission of the infection in the United States and the need for correct identification through genomic sequencing. Health care providers should consider T. indotineae infection in patients with widespread tinea that does not improve with first-line treatments and contact their state or local public health department for assistance with testing. Antimicrobial stewardship efforts are essential to minimize the misuse and overuse of antifungal drugs and corticosteroids.