U.S Reports First Case Of Sexually Transmitted Ringworm In Man With Multiple Male Partners

A new case of sexually transmitted ringworm has been reported by health officials in New York City, marking the first such case in the U.S.

The infection, caused by a rare fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), was identified in a man in his 30s, according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology by doctors at NYU Langone Health.

Fox News reported that after travelling to England, Greece, and California and having sex with multiple men, the man developed a red, itchy rash on his penis, legs, groin, and buttocks.

The rash initially resembled eczema rather than the typical ring-shaped rash associated with fungal infections. However, tests confirmed the presence of TMVII.

Despite treatment with standard antifungal medications, the infection took over four months to clear. The patient took Fluconazole for four weeks with no improvement, then switched to Terbinafine for six weeks, and finally used Itraconazole for eight weeks.

Dr Avrom Caplan, an assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and author of the report, said there is no widespread threat to the public.

There’s no evidence that this is widespread, or that this is something that people really need to be worried about, Caplan told NBC.

However, he advised anyone experiencing persistent itchy rashes in the groin area to see a doctor.

Co-author John Zampella highlighted the need for physicians to ask patients about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially if they are sexually active, have travelled recently, or have other itchy areas on their body.

Since patients are often reluctant to discuss genital problems, physicians need to directly ask about rashes around the groin and buttocks, especially for those who are sexually active, have recently traveled abroad, and report itchy areas elsewhere on the body, Zampella said.

The man’s case is the first recorded in the U.S., following 13 similar cases reported in France last year, predominantly among men who had sex with men.

The man had multiple male partners, none of whom reported similar symptoms during his travels. While sexual transmission is the most likely cause, the possibility of acquiring the fungus from a sauna visit remains, Caplan said.

The study noted an increase in male genital fungal infections in India, linked to a different ringworm strain called Trichophyton indotineae. Factors such as climate, hygiene, and bathing practices, along with sexual contact, contribute to its spread.

This infection causes similar itchy and contagious rashes as TMVII and often resists terbinafine treatment, posing a challenge for dermatologists.

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