DISTRIBUTIONS OF TINEA CAPITIS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
*Dr. James Garba Damen, Unyime Cosmas and Simon Iyala
ABSTRACT
Background: Tinea capitis is a common superficial fungal infection of the scalp and hair. It is more prevalent in poor resource settings. Children are mostly affected due to predisposing factors such as overcrowding and low socioeconomic factors. Aim: The present study was set out to determine the occurrences of Tinea capitis among pupils in two selected primary schools in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighty five pupils were recruited for the study. The participants included 97 males and 88 females respondents within the age groups of 5-12 years. The study was approved, informed consents were obtained from parent/guardians of pupils, questionnaires were administered and specimens were analyzed by direct KOH microscopic examination of scrapings and culture were performed by inoculating the specimen onto Sabouraud dextrose agar slants. Results: Out of the 185 specimens analyzed 121 were positive for Tinea capitis giving an overall prevalence of 65.4%. Infection was more 71.6% in female respondents than the males 59.7% respondents. Regarding the causative agents Trichophyton spps constituted 49.7% while Microsporum spps was 15.7% of Tinea capitis infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Conclusion: The present study has established Tinea capitis as a common infection among Nigerian school children particularly in poor resource settings. Health promotion interventions are recommended to promote good hygiene and better living conditions as this will be helpful in curbing the spread of this infection.
Keywords: Tinea capitis, microscopic examination, poor resource settings.
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