New Delhi: A new form of ringworm transmitted via sexual intercourse has been reported in a man in New York. As per reports, the new infection is highly contagious. The sexually transmitted ringworm, caused by a rare fungus has been reported for the first time in the United States. On Wednesday the case report was published in the JAMA Dermatology by the doctors at NYU Langone Health in New York City.
The man who contracted the virus is in his 30s and he reported having sex with multiple men during a trip to England, Greece and California. He reportedly developed a red, itchy rash on his legs and over his groin and buttocks after he returned. Following this, several tests were conducted on him and it was revealed that he had a sexually transmitted fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII.
It is the first time that such a fungus has been identified in the U.S. Previous year, some doctors in France reported 13 cases of this fungus and twelve of those patients were men who have sex with men. However, as per reports, experts have noted that worldwide there is an increase in fungal infections that are difficult to treat. According to a new study, the ringworm fungus despite its name is not actually a worm that was transmitted through sexual contact.
Whats is Trichophyton mentagrophytes?
Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a species of fungus that is a communicable pathogen. It affects both animals and humans alike. T. mentagrohphytes are found in a variety of environments, and infections can take several forms. In a study, Dr Avrom Caplan, an assistant professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s dermatology department said, healthcare providers should be aware that Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII [TMVII] is the latest in a group of serious skin infections to have now reached the United States.
Symptoms of the fungus
The co-author of the study noted that a man who contracted the fungal strain reportedly developed a rash on his penis, buttocks and his limbs as a result of the infection. Some of the common symptoms of ringworm include:
Itchy skin.
Ring-shaped rash.
Red, scaly, cracked skin.
Hair loss.
As per reports, the new infection is highly contagious. A sexually transmitted ringworm, caused by a rare fungus has been reported for the first time in the United States, check symptoms Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
