Clinical characteristics of dermatophytosis among children in a Nigerian population: role of HIV/AIDS

Background: Dermatophytosis is a common superficial mycosis. It affects virtually every child at one stage or the other, but the disease may be more frequent in individuals with immunocompromising conditions. The typical characteristic of the rash is an annular, popular rash with a healing centre and an active periphery that may have an erythematous base and it occurs in different parts of the body. Aims: To elicit the clinical characteristics of dermatophytosis among children with HIV/AIDS. Methods: Two hundred each of HIV sero-positive and sero-negative children were evaluated for dermatophytosis (and its clinical types) and the possible role of HIV was examined. Results: Thirty-two (16%) seropositive and 24(12%) sero-negative children had dermatophytosis (P = 0.086). Tinea capitis was the most prevalent among the sero-positive and was the only type seen among the sero-negative subjects. Dermatophytosis was significantly more prevalent among those with more advanced clinical stage of HIV (p = 0.000). Children in 5 – 12 year age bracket were more affected in both groups. Conclusion: Tinea capitis was the most frequent type of dermatophytosis in the study, followed by tinea corporis. Children in 5 – 12 year age bracket were more affected in both groups. Occurrence of dermatophytosis was significantly influenced by the stage of HIV disease but not by HIV status.