NOSOCOMIAL TRANSMISSION OF TRICHOPHYTON TONSURANS TINEA-CORPORIS IN AREHABILITATION HOSPITAL

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the nosocomial transmission of Trichophyton ton surans tinea corporis. DESIGN: Descriptive study of a nosocomial epide mic of tinea corporis. SETTING: A free-standing inpatient rehabilitati on facility. PARTICIPANTS: Patients and healthcare workers present on an inpatient rehabilitation ward at the time of transmission of tinea corporis. RESULTS: T tonsurans tinea corporis was transmitted from one patient to four healthcare workers despite early diagnosis and treatm ent Infection rates for healthcare workers having major, moderate, and minor contact with the index case were 30%, 17%, and 0%, respectively (overall rate, 25%). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies rehabilitatio n inpatients as another population in which nosocomial transmission of T tonsurans tinea corporis can occur. The high attack rate and transm ission, despite early diagnosis and treatment, emphasizes the need for isolation precautions.