Rare sexually transmitted fungal infection reported in NYC; here's what you should know

Updated on June 6, 2024, 08:38 IST

A report published in JAMA Dermatology states that a rare sexually transmitted fungal infection was first identified in New York City, USA. The man responded to antifungal medications, but it took four and a half months for him to be completely cured. Read on to learn more about ringworm sexually transmitted fungal infection.

Rare sexually transmitted fungal infection reported in NYC

A rare sexually transmitted fungal infection was first reported about a man in New York City, USA. The report was published in JAMA Dermatology by doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City. The man, in his 30s, reportedly had sex with several men during a trip to England, Greece and California.

When he returned home, he developed a red, itchy rash on his legs, groin, and buttocks. Later tests revealed that he had a sexually transmitted fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII. This is the first time the fungus has been detected in the United States. Doctors in France reported 13 such cases last year. 12 of these cases involved men who had sex with men.

The American responded well to antifungal medication, but it took four and a half months for him to fully heal. Dr. Avrom Caplan, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and author of the new report, said the case should raise awareness but not alarm the public.

Caplan said: “There is no evidence that this is widespread or that this is something that people really need to be concerned about. But if people have itchy rashes in areas like the groin and it doesn’t get better, they should see a doctor.”

Caplan said the infection could have been transmitted through sexual contact, but it could also have occurred in a sauna he visited two months before his symptoms. Caplan could not rule out this possibility because his sexual partners showed no signs of Ringworm infection.

The lead author said the rash may look more like an eczema outbreak than typical ringworm infections, which appear in circles. Although the infection is not life-threatening, it can leave permanent scarring.

An NBC News report said it had identified the first two cases of another ringworm infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae as early as 2023. These were not considered sexually transmitted diseases, but are drug-resistant and highly contagious.

Since then, Caplan’s team at NYU Langone Health has identified a total of 11 cases of ringworm (Trichophyton indotineae) in men and women in New York City. Caplan has encouraged people to speak up and get treatment. Currently, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII is treatable.

Caplan said, “If you have a rash or skin lesions that do not get better and you think it might be ringworm, see your doctor.”

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