Rising Cases of Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infection TMVII in the US

TL/DR –

A new sexually transmitted fungal infection, Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII), has been identified in four US cases, according to a report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. This fungus, which causes genital tinea (ringworm), was found in four men aged 30 to 39 years from New York City who reported recent sexual contact with other men. The report’s authors stress the need for healthcare providers to be aware of this fungus, and to advise patients on the importance of avoiding skin-to-skin contact with affected areas, in addition to increasing public health surveillance and access to dermatophyte identification and antifungal susceptibility testing.

US Cases of Rare Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infection Reported

An article in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report reflects on four US instances of a sexually transmitted fungal infection known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VII (TMVII). This sexually transmitted fungus results in genital tinea (ringworm). Prior reports indicate this infection among individuals in contact with Southeast Asian sex workers and among men having sex with men in France. The first US case emerged in a man who had multiple sexual partners in Europe and California.

TMVII Infection Details

Between April and July, four men aged 30 to 39 in New York City were diagnosed with tinea. TMVII was confirmed as the infection cause through fungal cultures and DNA sequencing. All reported recent sexual interactions with men; one was a sex worker, two were partners, and one had visited Europe recently. They all showed rashes on their face, buttocks, or genitals and were effectively treated with antifungals.

Clinicians Warn About TMVII Spread

Clinicians from Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York University Grossman School of Medicine, who co-authored the report, urge healthcare providers to recognize that TMVII can spread via sexual contact. They also emphasize that this infection can cause lesions in various body parts. Patients diagnosed with TMVII should be cautioned about avoiding skin-to-skin contact with infected areas.

Suggestions for Preventing TMVII Spread

Improved public health surveillance, patient and provider education, and access to antifungal susceptibility testing and dermatophyte identification can help detect and prevent TMVII spread, according to the report’s authors.

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