Prevalence of <i>Tinea capitis</i> among primary school pupils In uli, anambra state, nigeria

Abstract

A survey of tinea capitis, ringworm of the scalp was carried out on 1,020 pupils in four primary schools in Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria, between May and July 2005. Tinea capitis was provisionally diagnosed in 142 pupils using clinical assessment, giving a prevalence rate of 13.92%, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. Most of the infected pupils (71.13%) had dry non-inflammatory lesions compared to 28.87% with inflammatory lesions and the majority, (64.08%) were between ages 6 to 10 years. Attempt to isolate and identify the etiologic agents from scalp scrapings, gave positive results in 22 samples with the occurrence of the following dermatophytes: Trichophyton tonsurans (27.3%); Microsporum audouini (18.2%); Trichophyton soudanense (18.2%); Microsporum gypseum (13.6%); Microsporum canis (9.1%); Trichophyton yaoundei (9.1%) and Trichophyton mentagropyhtes (4.5%). This study recommends parental and community education on ways of preventing the spread of tinea capitis.



Keywords: Tinea capitis, Pupils, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria


AJAZEB Vol. 7 2005: pp. 1-4