Most Common Cause of Tinea Corporis
The most common causative organisms of tinea corporis vary by geographic region and population, with Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes being the predominant dermatophytes, particularly in athletic populations where T. tonsurans accounts for over 80% of cases. 1
Geographic and Population Variations
The causative organisms of tinea corporis demonstrate significant regional differences:
In athletic populations (particularly wrestlers and judo practitioners), Trichophyton tonsurans is the dominant pathogen, accounting for more than 80% of tinea corporis gladiatorum cases 1
Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes are also recognized as common causative agents, particularly in non-athletic populations 1
Studies of wrestlers show remarkably high prevalence rates: 24% of wrestlers had tinea corporis lesions versus 0% in control groups, and 53% of judo practitioners aged 15-17 years were affected 1
Clinical Implications for Treatment
The specific causative organism has direct treatment implications:
Terbinafine demonstrates superior efficacy for T. tonsurans infections compared to other antifungal agents 1, 2
Itraconazole 100 mg daily for 15 days achieves 87% mycological cure rates in adolescents and adults, significantly superior to griseofulvin's 57% cure rate 1, 2
The definitive endpoint for adequate treatment should be mycological cure (negative microscopy and culture), not just clinical improvement, as clinical appearance may improve while infection persists 2
Common Pitfall
A critical error is stopping treatment based solely on clinical improvement rather than documented mycological cure, which can lead to persistent infection and recurrence 2. Always confirm clearance with repeat mycology sampling at the end of the standard treatment period 2.