Outbreak of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum audouinii var. langeronii in a school in Bordeaux-, France

Aims. An epidemiological survey was performed in a nursery and primary scho ol in Bordeaux, France, following the detection of eight cases of tinea cap itis and eleven cases of tinea corporis caused by Microsporum audouini var. langeronii. Patients and methods. Seventy one children were examined by a medical ream competent in dermatology, mycology and school medicine. Results. Three children had tinea capitis, of whom one was infra-clinical a nd one was atypical. Three other children and one adult had tinea corporis. Among the eleven children with tinea capitis, six had on african origin an d five european origin. After the epidemiological survey, the outbreak of t inea capitis was stopped. Discussion-conclusion. These data emphasize the risk of school contaminatio n for this dermatophyte. After detection of tinea capitis caused by anthrop ophilic dermatophytes, the physicians in charge should inform the school do ctor so that he may implement prevention without delay.