High prevalence of tinea capitis in newly arrived migrants at an English-language school, Melbourne, 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a reported increase in tinea capitis in an English-language school to determine if it was an outbreak and whether control measures were warranted. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND POPULATION: Primary school children enrolled at an English-language school in an outer suburb of Melbourne were screened for tinea capitis in November 2005 by clinical examination, collection of scalp, skin or nail specimens where clinically indicated, and scalp brushing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical diagnosis of tinea capitis confirmed by microscopy and culture. RESULTS: Parental consent was obtained for 180 children (98%), of whom 153 (85%) were screened. Dermatophytes were ..