The fungus has been detected worldwide, but data is sparse for its spread in the U.S., the researchers said. In May 2023, public health officials reported the first two confirmed T. indotineae cases in the U.S., but antifungal susceptibility testing data uncovered more infections, spanning back to 2017.
From May 2022 to May 2023, 11 patients in New York City had confirmed T. indotineae infections, and nine reported previous travel to Bangladesh. All had widespread lesions, diagnostic delays and did not respond to antifungal monotherapies. Terbinafine, the preferred treatment, was ineffective for seven patients.
Patients treated with fluconazole and griseofulvin improved in two of four and two of five instances, respectively, and itraconazole was effective for five of seven treated patients. Since these cases happened before May 2023, dermatologists were often unaware of T. indotineae at the time of treatment, the researchers said.
The fungal infection has the opportunity to become more widespread, they concluded, because they detected hundreds of single nucleotide variations, “which could indicate several independent introductions of T. indotineae or variants of T. indotineae isolates within New York City.”
CIDRAP said the findings represent a new, emerging public health threat.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.