If you’re planning to have a wild and carefree summer, you might want to think again. According to a recent case report, a sexually transmitted ringworm caused by a rare fungal infection has made its way to the United States for the first time. This report follows numerous clinicians worldwide revealing difficulties in treating such infections.
The case involves a New York City man who had sexual intercourse with multiple men during a trip to England, California, and Greece. Upon returning home, the man, in his 30s, developed a red and itchy rash across his groin, buttocks, and down his legs.
Tests revealed that the man had contracted a sexually transmitted fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII. This is the first time the fungus has been reported in the United States. Last year, 13 cases were identified in France, with 12 involving men who were sexually involved with other men.
Fortunately, the man’s infection responded to medication and fully healed over four and a half months. Initially, he was instructed to use fluconazole for four weeks, followed by six weeks of terbinafine, and roughly eight weeks of itraconazole. It’s also important to note that the man had visited a sauna two months before experiencing symptoms.
