Nosocomial transmission of Trichophyton tonsurans tinea corporis in a rehabilitation hospital.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the nosocomial transmission of Trichophyton tonsurans tinea corporis.

DESIGN

Descriptive study of a nosocomial epidemic of tinea corporis.

SETTING

A free-standing inpatient rehabilitation facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients and healthcare workers present on an inpatient rehabilitation ward at the time of transmission of tinea corporis.

RESULTS

T tonsurans tinea corporis was transmitted from one patient to four healthcare workers despite early diagnosis and treatment. Infection rates for healthcare workers having major, moderate, and minor contact with the index case were 30%, 17%, and 0%, respectively (overall rate, 25%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies rehabilitation inpatients as another population in which nosocomial transmission of T tonsurans tinea corporis can occur. The high attack rate and transmission, despite early diagnosis and treatment, emphasizes the need for isolation precautions.