First cases of suspected sexual transmission of Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotypes VII and VIII in Orange County, California, USA.

BACKGROUND: Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex is emerging as a sexually transmitted infection. Progressive disease, dissemination, or frequent recurrences should raise suspicion for this infection, which often requires prolonged antifungal therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were referred to our infectious diseases clinic for recalcitrant ringworm that had not responded to prior therapy. Fungal cultures from initial visits grew Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex, genotypes VII and VIII, respectively. Both patients were successfully treated with a combination of oral and topical azoles. CONCLUSION: We report two cases of suspected sexual transmission of Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex genotypes VII and VIII in Orange County, California, USA.