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Rachel V Thomas

Drug-Resistant Ringworm Sees Threefold Rise, Found In 29 Countries: CDC

A new US CDC study has warned of a threefold rise in identifications of Trichophyton indotineae, a <span>skin fungus</span> that causes <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ringworm">ringworm</a></span> and is resistant to standard treatment.

Between 2022 and 2025, T. indotineae was identified in 29 countries, with resistance to terbinafine, a commonly used antifungal medication. The first US case was reported in 2023.

Most cases are treated with terbinafine, either as a cream or a pill.

“Our results reveal a marked global increase in T. indotineae isolation,” the authors wrote in their paper, published in the CDC’s monthly journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases.

During the study period, 566 users from 54 countries submitted 1,657,334 spectra that led to the identification of fungal agents.

<ul><li> 123,025 (7.7%) were identified as Trichophyton spp. by 316 users across 44 countries.</li><li>3,399 (0.2%) were identified as T. indotineae by 183 users across 29 countries.</li><li>Europe accounted for the largest share of users (63.8%), followed by Asia (16.8%), Latin America (15.7%), North America (1.6%), Oceania (1.6%), and Africa (0.5%).</li><li>Most T. indotineae spectra were identified in Europe — 3,040 (89.4%).</li><li>T. indotineae was also identified in countries where no cases had previously been reported, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Colombia, Luxembourg, and Uruguay.</li></ul>

However, the research cannot tell us how many people globally are contracting T. indotineae; it only shows that laboratories are detecting it more often.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/98-years-after-penicillin-are-we-running-out-of-effective-antibiotics-article-156038170" data-type="tilCustomLink">98 Years After Penicillin, Are We Running Out Of Effective Antibiotics?</a>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ringworm" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ringworm </a> has nothing to do with worms. The misleading name refers to an infection caused by dermatophytes, fungi that thrive in warmth and moisture.

It can affect people of all ages and is highly contagious. Careful attention and immediate treatment are required to control the infection effectively.

Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a skin infection caused by fungal spores invading the dead outer layers of the skin. It typically presents as circular, red, scaly patches accompanied by itching or discomfort.

Symptoms of ringworm depend on where the infection develops:

<ul><li>Skin: It usually begins as a red, scaly patch or bump.</li><li>Scalp: It may start as small, pimple-like lesions that progress into scaly, patchy areas.</li><li>Nails: The nails may become thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbly.</li></ul>

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Ringworm is highly infectious and can be transmitted through:

<ul><li>Direct skin-to-skin contact: Touching an infected person can transmit fungal spores.</li><li>Indirect contact: Sharing towels, bedding, or clothes with an infected person can spread the infection.</li><li>Animals to humans: Ringworm can be carried by pets, including cats and dogs, without showing symptoms.</li></ul>

Preventing ringworm is largely about maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people or animals.

<ul><li>Shower regularly, dry thoroughly, and change clothes daily.</li><li>Do not share towels, combs, or bedding.</li><li>Wear flip-flops or sandals in community showers, tanning rooms, locker rooms, and pool areas.</li><li>Consult a veterinarian if your animal displays signs of ringworm.</li><li>Prevent fungal growth by keeping moist areas such as the groin and feet dry.</li></ul>

Left untreated, ringworm can spread across the body or penetrate further, potentially leading to complications such as secondary bacterial infections.

<ul><li>Symptoms do not go away with treatment.</li><li>The infection affects the scalp or nails.</li><li>You feel very uncomfortable or the affected area is severely inflamed. </li></ul>

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A new US CDC study has warned of a threefold rise in identifications of Trichophyton indotineae, a skin fungus that causes ringworm and is resistant to standard treatment.Between 2022 and 2025, T. indotineae was identified in 29 countries, with resistance to terbinafine, a commonly used antifungal medication. The first US case was reported in 2023.Most cases are treated with terbinafine, either as a cream or a pill.“Our results reveal a marked global increase in T. indotineae isolation,” the authors wrote in their paper, published in the CDC’s monthly journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases.What Did The Study Find?During the study period, 566 users from 54 countries submitted 1,657,334 spectra that led to the identification of fungal agents. 123,025 (7.7%) were identified as Trichophyton spp. by 316 users across 44 countries.3,399 (0.2%) were identified as T. indotineae by 183 users across 29 countries.Europe accounted for the largest share of users (63.8%), followed by Asia (16.8%), Latin America (15.7%), North America (1.6%), Oceania (1.6%), and Africa (0.5%).Most T. indotineae spectra were identified in Europe — 3,040 (89.4%).T. indotineae was also identified in countries where no cases had previously been reported, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Colombia, Luxembourg, and Uruguay.However, the research cannot tell us how many people globally are contracting T. indotineae; it only shows that laboratories are detecting it more often.Also read: 98 Years After Penicillin, Are We Running Out Of Effective Antibiotics?What Is Ringworm?Ringworm  has nothing to do with worms. The misleading name refers to an infection caused by dermatophytes, fungi that thrive in warmth and moisture.It can affect people of all ages and is highly contagious. Careful attention and immediate treatment are required to control the infection effectively.Ringworm, also called tinea corporis, is a skin infection caused by fungal spores invading the dead outer layers of the skin. It typically presents as circular, red, scaly patches accompanied by itching or discomfort.Signs And SymptomsSymptoms of ringworm depend on where the infection develops:Skin: It usually begins as a red, scaly patch or bump.Scalp: It may start as small, pimple-like lesions that progress into scaly, patchy areas.Nails: The nails may become thickened, discolored, brittle, or crumbly.How Is Ringworm Transmitted?      Ringworm is highly infectious and can be transmitted through:Direct skin-to-skin contact: Touching an infected person can transmit fungal spores.Indirect contact: Sharing towels, bedding, or clothes with an infected person can spread the infection.Animals to humans: Ringworm can be carried by pets, including cats and dogs, without showing symptoms.How To Prevent RingwormPreventing ringworm is largely about maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected people or animals.Shower regularly, dry thoroughly, and change clothes daily.Do not share towels, combs, or bedding.Wear flip-flops or sandals in community showers, tanning rooms, locker rooms, and pool areas.Consult a veterinarian if your animal displays signs of ringworm.Prevent fungal growth by keeping moist areas such as the groin and feet dry.When To Seek Medical Attention?Left untreated, ringworm can spread across the body or penetrate further, potentially leading to complications such as secondary bacterial infections.See a doctor if:Symptoms do not go away with treatment.The infection affects the scalp or nails.You feel very uncomfortable or the affected area is severely inflamed. 

drug-resistant ringworm sees threefold rise, found in 29 countries: cdc

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Drug-Resistant Ringworm Sees Threefold Rise, Found In 29 Countries: CDC

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