Emergence of a dermatophyte contracted from guinea pig and close to Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei: T. mentagrophytes var. porcellae

Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei, a zoonotic fungus that normally affects hedgehogs is rarely isolated as a human pathogen. In the last year, 14 patients developed erythematous lesions due to a dermatophyte close to this species in Nancy and the surrounding area. Children were predominantly affected. A retrospective study of epidemiologic data revealed a direct contact with a guinea pig, a few weeks before appearance of the dermatomycosis in every patient. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of our strains are single and different from those described for Trichophyton erinacei. In addition, the fungus appears to be adapted to its new host, guinea pig, and the name of T. mentagrophytes var. porcellae is suggested for this emergent variety. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.