An outbreak of scalp white piedra in a Brazilian children day care.

Abstract

White piedra is a superficial mycosis caused by Trichosporon spp. that affects the hair shaft of any part of the body. It is presented an outbreak of scalp white piedra seen in 5.8% of the children frequenting a day care in Northeastern of São Paulo State, Brazil. Mycological exam and culture identified T. cutaneum in all five cases, and scanning electron microscopy of nodules around hair shaft infected by Trichosporon spp. is demonstrated comparing them with those of black piedra and with nits of Pediculous capitis.

• Authors: Ana Maria Roselino, Ana Beatriz Seixas, José A Thomazini, Claudia M L Maffei
• Journal: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo (Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo) 2008 Sep-Oct Vol. 50 Issue 5 Pg. 307-9 ISSN: 1678-9946 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 18949351 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Brazil (epidemiology)
• Child Day Care Centers
• Child, Preschool
• Disease Outbreaks
• Female
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Piedra (diagnosis, epidemiology, microbiology)
• Scalp Dermatoses (diagnosis, epidemiology, microbiology)
• Trichosporon (isolation & purification, ultrastructure)