In New York City, a Ringworm Fungus Transmitted Through Sexual Contact is Spreading Widely.
A pesky sexually transmitted ringworm fungus is making its unwanted debut in the Big Apple. In a recent publication last month, scientists have highlighted the rising incidence of this fungus, which has infected at least five individuals in New York City this year.
There are numerous fungi known to cause ringworm, a general term for skin, hair, and nail infections (despite the misleading name, no worms are involved). While most of these infections are relatively mild, recent years have seen the emergence of more troubling variants of ringworm. One such concern is the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes ITS genotype VII, or TMVII. Unlike other ringworms, this fungus predominantly spreads through close sexual contact.
In an unusual turn of events, researchers at New York University Langone Health and other institutions first identified a TMVII case in the United States in early June. This case, until now, was confined to parts of Europe and Asia. Subsequently, the same researchers and others have uncovered four additional TMVII cases in NYC between April and July of this year. Fortunately, all the infected individuals have responded well to treatment, although some required multiple rounds of antifungal medication. The team's findings were published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report last Thursday.
"Healthcare providers should be aware that TMVII can spread through sexual contact and cause lesions on various parts of the body, including the genitals, buttocks, face, trunk, and extremities," the researchers wrote.
All five NYC cases involved cisgender men who had recently engaged in sexual activities with other men. Two people had sexual encounters with each other, one of whom was a sex worker. Previous reports of TMVII have primarily affected men who have sex with men, although heterosexual men and women have also been affected. Some research suggests that TMVII may have originated in southeast Asia, with its spread potentially fueled by contact with infected female sex workers.
The fungus is thought to have become prevalent in Europe since its discovery in Asia. The researchers believe that TMVII may already be spreading locally in NYC and the US as a whole.
"We have only identified a small number of cases in the US, but it's plausible to consider the potential for local spread in the US, given what we know from Europe," study co-author Avrom Caplan, a doctor specializing in autoimmune skin disorders at New York University Langone Health, told Gizmodo. "The documented cases with unclear transmission links indicate the potential for TMVII to become more than an isolated occurrence."
Caplan and his colleagues hope that their findings can prompt doctors, researchers, and the public to stay vigilant for the fungus and take proactive measures to prevent its spread, such as advising people with active fungal infections to avoid skin contact with others.
"Our primary objective is to ensure that clinicians and patients are aware of this new infection, which requires antifungal treatment and may be mistaken for other skin conditions due to its atypical presentation in sexually active individuals," Caplan said. "Preventive health measures that emphasize awareness and early diagnosis are crucial, particularly in sexual health clinics or clinics that serve populations considered to be at higher risk."
Unfortunately, TMVII isn't the only ringworm fungus that could pose a threat to New Yorkers. Researchers have recently discovered cases of the fungus Trichophyton indotineae in the area, which appears to cause more severe ringworm than usual and may be resistant to common antifungal treatments.
This article has been updated with comments from one of the study's authors.
In light of recent findings, the intersection of health, technology, and science could play a significant role in combating the spread of sexually transmitted ringworm fungi like TMVII in the future. Advanced diagnostic tools and communication platforms can help in early detection and tracking of such infections, facilitating timely interventions and mitigating outbreaks.
As research continues, scientists and healthcare providers should utilize technology to share information and resources globally, ensuring that medical communities are well-informed and prepared to address potential threats posed by changing ringworm genotypes. By leveraging technology, we can contribute to a more proactive and collaborative approach in protecting public health.
