ABSTRACT

A study on the prevalence of Dermatophytes among primary school children in Item was carried out between July to September 2006. Among the 600 pupils sampled from the three primary schools visited, 70 (11.66%) had dermatophytosis (ringworm infection). Two genera of fungi isolated were Microsporum and Trichophyton with four species namely Microsporum audouinii (30%), Trichophyton rub rum (11.4%) Trichophyton mentagrophytes (20%) and Microsporum can/s (10%). Males and Females within the age bracket of 7-9 years were more significantly infected compared to other categories. Infection decreased with increase in age except in one case of a 15 year old boy. The male to female ratio was 4:3 thus the number of males infected was greater than those of the females. The prevalence of Tinea capitis was higher than Tinea corporis and this may be due to poor infrastructure, non-cemented classroom, poor hygiene practiced by the pupils and sharing of hats, combs or brushes with children infected with Dermatophytes.