Survey on the epidemiology of Microsporum canis infections in Crete, Greece over a 5-year period

Background Microsporum canis is a frequent cause of tinea capitis and tinea corporis in Europe and especially in the Mediterranean area. Objective This study was undertaken to examine the epidemiologic features o f all cases of M, canis infections recorded in Crete, Greece, during a 5-ye ar period (1994-1998). Methods The epidemiology of 111 cases of dermatophytoses due to M, canis wa s analyzed according to the sex, age, origin of the infection, place of res idence, body site affected, and seasonal progression. Results M, canis constituted 24.5% of all dermatophytes isolated during the study period. Women were more frequently affected than men (54%), and infe ctions were most prevalent in patients up to the age of 9 years (46.8%). Ca ts were identified as the commonest source of the infection (82%). As regar ding the place of residence, most of the infected patients came from rural areas (64.9%). The commonest sites of M, canis infection (in decreasing ord er of frequency) were: the head, the lower extremities, the trunk, and the upper extremities. The greatest number of cases were seen in September and December. Conclusions The findings of the present study indicate that M. canis infect ions have gradually decreased in recent years in this geographic area. Erad ication requires elimination of the natural source of the infection, repres ented mainly by stray animals.