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New York City, November 1, 2024 — Doctors in New York City have reported the first known U.S. cases of ringworm transmitted through sexual contact, marking a new development in the spread of this fungal infection. A team of dermatologists, led by Dr. Avrom Caplan at NYU Langone Health, documented these cases in the latest edition of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a journal by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Ringworm, despite its misleading name, involves no worms. It is caused by a fungal species called Trichophyton mentagrophytes, more commonly recognized in its manifestations as “jock itch” or “athlete’s foot.” The infection often presents as a round, itchy rash on the skin. However, this is the first time it has been confirmed as a sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., following rare previous cases reported in Southeast Asia and France since 2021.
The cases in New York involved a specific subtype of T. mentagrophytes called TMVII, which has been linked to sexual transmission. The first U.S. case was identified in June, followed by four more instances between April and July of this year. All affected individuals were gay or bisexual men in their 30s with multiple sexual partners.
Dr. Caplan’s team noted that rashes appeared on various parts of the patients’ bodies, including the face, buttocks, and genitals. Fortunately, antifungal treatments were effective, clearing up symptoms in each case. However, the condition required sustained treatment, sometimes for up to three months, to fully resolve.
“Clinicians and sexually active individuals should be aware that TMVII can spread through sexual contact and may cause lesions on the genitals, buttocks, face, trunk, or extremities,” the team advised. Since ringworm is often mistaken for other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, accurate diagnosis depends on lab testing.
Infected individuals are advised to avoid skin-to-skin contact while the rash is present to prevent transmission and to refrain from sharing personal items. The team also cautioned against using steroid creams, as these can worsen the infection.
While the source of TMVII’s introduction to the United States remains unclear, one of the patients had recently traveled to several European countries. Despite this, all cases have been treatable with commonly available antifungal medications.
As TMVII infections through sexual contact become a documented phenomenon, health professionals emphasize the importance of awareness and proper management to prevent further spread.
For more information on ringworm, readers can visit the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Journal Reference: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, CDC, October 31, 2024.
