A sexually transmitted form of ringworm has been reported in the USA

T. mentagrophytes is a common type of fungus that can cause ringworm in humans, as well as Cats, dogs and other pets.

“It’s one of the most common causes of ringworm, a contagious fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails,” said Bindu Balani, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center who was not involved in the new research.

It can also lead to athlete’s foot, ringworm and beard ringworm, she told Healthline.

T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII is a specific type of this fungus that can be sexually transmitted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cases of T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII has been reported in other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and Europe.

In a report published on June 5 in JAMA DermatologyCaplan and his colleagues describe the first documented case of this sexually transmitted fungus in the United States.

The case involved a man in his 30s from New York City who developed an itchy rash on his genitals, buttocks and extremities after returning from a trip to England, Greece and California.

The man “reported having had several male sexual partners while traveling, none of whom had a similar infection, and visited a sauna two months before the onset of the skin lesions,” the researchers write.

Genetic testing confirmed that the fungus that caused the rash T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII.

The man was treated with the antifungal drug fluconazole for 4 weeks without any response to treatment. He was then treated with the antifungals terbinafine and itraconazole, both of which relieved his symptoms.

Aniruddha Hazra, MD, an infectious disease doctor and associate professor of medicine at UChicago Medicine who was not involved in the new research, said this type of rash can look like tinea cruris or ringworm and typically consists of one or more patches of dry, flaky skin.

The researchers said this type of infection can also cause a rash that, with its characteristic circular pattern on the skin, looks more like an eczema outbreak than a ringworm infection.

While the infection is not fatal, it can leave permanent scars, they added.

Balani said fungal infections of the skin are generally treated with topical antifungal creams, lotions or gels, but more severe infections or infections affecting the hair or nails may require oral antifungal medications.

However, she pointed out that “in some cases Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII may be resistant to standard antifungal treatments.”

Although T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII is difficult to treat and it can take months for the infection to clear, Hazra said. In the United States, this fungus still responds well to treatment.

“People who are concerned about sexually transmitted diseases should be aware of this, especially if they are thinking about a rash that may not get better,” he said, “but our usual antifungals work well against it.”

Balani also believes that people should not be too concerned about this infection: “Because there is only one known case (in the United States), there is no evidence that the disease is widespread or that the public needs to be concerned about it,” she said.

However, “if people experience itchy rashes in areas such as the groin and they do not get better or do not respond to standard fungal treatments, they should see a doctor,” she said.

A visit to the doctor may also be indicated if the rash appears in the weeks following sexual activity or after travel to Southeast Asia or Europe, where this fungus is increasingly being diagnosed, she said.

The only way to diagnose T. mentagrophytes Genotype VII is detected by fungal sampling/scrapings, she said.

“If you are diagnosed with this particular fungus, I also recommend getting tested for other sexually transmitted infections,” she said.

In addition, you should see a doctor if “you have a rash accompanied by symptoms that affect the whole body and not just the skin, such as fever, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, etc.,” Balani said.

Balani offers the following general tips for dealing with fungal skin infections:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent the fungus from spreading.
• Wash your hands often, especially after touching animals or soil.

• Do not share personal items such as towels, combs and brushes.
• Wear shoes in public places. This will protect your feet from infections.

In a recent case study, researchers describe the first reported case of sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a specific fungus. Trichophyton mentagrophytes Type VII.

The case involved a man from New York City who traveled to England, Greece and California. Upon returning home, he developed a rash on his genitals, buttocks and limbs.

Cases of this fungus have been reported in Southeast Asia and Europe, with some reports of drug resistance. However, in the United States, this fungus still responds well to top-notch antifungals.