Prevalence of Tinea Capitis among School Children in Kudan, Kaduna State.

Abstract

The prevalence of Tinea capitis being an infection of the scalp by dermatophytes has increased in children worldwide. A total of 100 children were screened for dermatophytes and 45% were found to be infected with different species of dermatophytes which was achieved by fungal culture and microscopy using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with 2% cycloheximide and lactophenol cotton blue solution respectively. The prevalence was found to be higher in children of the age group between 5 and 10 years (42.6%) than among 11- 15 years age group. Trichophyton rubrum (27.27%) and Microsporum canis (24.24%) were the most prevalent species isolated and the least were Trichophyton verrucosum (04.55%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (04.55%). Single dermatophyte infections accounted for 73.3% while mixed dermatophyte infections accounted for 26.7%. The predisposing factors with statistically significant association with tinea capitis were number of persons in the family (p=0.0152), age of children (p=0.0006) and shaving of hair at the barber’s shop (p=0.0098). This is an indication that there is high tendency for the spread of the disease through human contact. Community health education on the cause, mode of transmission, prevention as well as treatment of tinea capitis is recommended. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and associated risk factor of tinea capitis among school children in Kudan, Kaduna State, Nigeria.