Antifungal - Resistant Ringworm Infections
Ringworm, also called tinea or dermatophytosis, is a common fungal infection of the hair, skin, or nails caused by dermatophyte fungi. Ringworm spreads easily by skin-to-skin contact with infected animals or people and by fomites (everyday objects or surfaces that may be contaminated). Usually, ringworm skin infections are minor ailments that can be treated successfully with topical antifungal medications or oral terbinafine, a first-line oral antifungal drug for ringworm, in cases of widespread infection.
However, ringworm caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a frequently antifungal-resistant fungus, can cause widespread, highly inflamed lesions on the face, trunks, arms, legs, or groin. Trichophyton indotineae infections generally do not improve when treated with most topical antifungals or terbinafine. Antifungal-resistant ringworm is difficult to treat and can affect anyone, including people with healthy immune systems. Outbreaks of antifungal-resistant ringworm are occurring in the Indian Subcontinent, and cases have been detected throughout Asia and Europe.
Dermatologists and public health officials in New York City have reported cases of severe ringworm caused by Trichophyton indotineae and fungal nail infections resistant to terbinafine. In July 2023, an analysis from a reference laboratory testing dermatophyte isolates from several U.S. states and Canada found that 19% of the isolates were resistant to terbinafine. A study from France described severe ringworm cases potentially transmitted during sex among men who have sex with men. To date, there have been no similar published reports of ringworm transmitted through sexual contact in the United States. Additional data are needed to understand the extent of severe and antifungal-resistant ringworm in the United States.
Recommendations for Clinicians
- Consider antifungal-resistant ringworm infections in patients with widespread ringworm lesions, particularly when lesions do not improve with first-line topical antifungal agents or oral terbinafine.
- Be aware that treatment of antifungal-resistant ringworm might require prolonged courses of antifungal therapy (e.g., more than 3 months) with itraconazole or other systemic antifungal drugs.
- Provide patient education to help stop the spread of antifungal-resistant ringworm.
- Prescribe antifungals for suspected ringworm after confirmatory diagnosis is performed if possible, as overuse of antifungals can result in resistance
- Know that specialized testing, such as genetic sequencing performed by select academic or public health laboratories, is required to identify the fungal species causing antifungal-resistant ringworm infections.
- Healthcare providers who suspect antifungal-resistant ringworm can contact their state and local health departments for assistance.
Public health officials who are concerned about potential cases of antifungal-resistant ringworm or unusual clusters of cases can email fungaloutbreaks@cdc.gov for assistance with recommendations and testing.
