A Fungus New to New York City

Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII has emerged, causing skin infection (thus far, in men who have sex with men).

Fungi are omnipresent, with new species continually identified worldwide. Infections with Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) were first noted in June 2024 among men who have sex with men (MSM) who had traveled to Europe and Southeast Asia. Now, TMVII has emerged as tinea lesions in four MSM (aged 30–39) in New York City.

Only one patient had traveled abroad. Two others (one of whom was a sex worker) reported mutual contact. Painful, itchy skin lesions were the most common manifestation. Tinea lesions appeared first on the face, buttocks, and genitals. They resembled skin lesions caused by several other dermatophytes, although several patients had extremely painful, inflamed lesions with scarring. Sequencing of the cultured fung…

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

A Fungus New to New York City

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Reviewing Author