Une augmentation des cas d’infections génitales causées par un champignon, nommé *Trichophyton mentagrophytes* génotype VII (TMVII), a été signalée à New York. Ce champignon, identifié pour la première fois aux États-Unis en juin 2024, provoque la tinea génitale, également connue sous le nom d’eczéma inguinal. Quatre cas supplémentaires, tous chez des hommes ayant des rapports sexuels avec d’autres hommes, ont été rapportés entre avril et juillet 2024. Les symptômes incluent des démangeaisons et des éruptions cutanées, et un traitement antifongique est généralement efficace.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been an increase in cases of a fungus causing genital infections in New York City. The fungus, identified as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII), was first reported in the U.S. in June 2024, followed by four additional cases between April and July 2024.
This infection leads to genital tinea, commonly referred to as Tinea cruris or ‘jock itch,’ impacting the skin in the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks.
The CDC noted, ‘Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) is an emerging fungus that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, potentially requiring extended treatment. The inaugural case in the U.S. was documented in June 2024.’
The subsequent cases in NYC all involved men who have sex with men, highlighting that TMVII is spread through sexual activity.
‘The patients included four cisgender men aged between 30 to 39 who acknowledged recent sexual interactions with other men. Patients A and D admitted to sexual contact with each other, while Patients B and C did not have any known connection to others infected with TMVII. Patient D was identified as a sex worker,’ the CDC detailed.
While Patient B had recently traveled to Europe, the others had no known recent overseas travel. The initial U.S. case had also visited various European countries and California while engaging in sexual encounters with multiple men.
The CDC reported that TMVII infections have been documented among men who engage in sexual activities with men in France since March 2021 and earlier in men who traveled to Southeast Asia for sex-related tourism.
TMVII is classified as a dermatophyte, a fungus that flourishes in warm and damp environments. Other species of dermatophytes can also induce genital tinea, which tends to be more frequent among men, particularly athletes or those who perspire excessively, wear constricted clothing, or do not quickly change out of wet garments.
Dermatophytes can also cause tinea on the body or scalp, commonly called ringworm due to the distinctive ring-shaped rash it creates; however, it has no relation to actual worms. Tinea on the feet is typically referred to as athlete’s foot.
The primary symptoms of genital tinea include itching, redness, a ring-shaped rash, flaky or peeling skin, and occasionally a burning sensation.
‘TMVII may result in itchy, ring-shaped, scaly lesions on the trunk, groin, genitals, or face, and can be confused with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions,’ the CDC explained. ‘Some individuals might endure inflamed, painful, and persistent lesions that could lead to scarring or secondary bacterial infections.’
All infected individuals received successful treatment with antifungal medications.
Over-the-counter creams with ingredients such as clotrimazole or terbinafine are often effective, though more severe cases might require a doctor-prescribed oral antifungal. Maintaining cleanliness, dryness, and wearing loose clothing can help prevent future occurrences.
The CDC emphasizes that this particular fungal strain is likely to spread through sexual activity.
‘Health care providers should be informed that TMVII can transmit through sexual contact, causing lesions on the genitals, buttocks, face, trunk, or limbs,’ the report states. ‘Providers should instruct patients suffering from TMVII about the necessity of evading skin-to-skin contact with affected areas and refraining from sharing personal items until all symptoms have resolved.’
Références
Zucker J, Caplan AS, Gunaratne SH, et al. Notes from the Field: Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII — New York City, April–July 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:985–988. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7343a5.