The Results of Trichophyton tonsurans Screening Examinations and Infection Management in University Judo Federation of Tokyo Athletes over a 4-year Period

Tinea corporis gladiatorum

Tinea corporis gladiatorum (TCG) is a variety of tinea corporis transmitted by repeated and close skin contacts among athletes, in particular wrestlers and judokas. Trichophyton tonsurans is the most frequently isolated dermatophyte. Cases of TCG were reported in USA, Iran, Japan, Turkey and France, where wrestling or judo are popular. No cases of TCG were reported in Italy. The typical clinical presentation of tinea corporis is not always present in TCG: a bacterial folliculitis-like appearance is not rare. Fluconazole is the therapy of choice.

[Sports-associated dermatophytoses : An overview]

Because of high exposure (e. g. swimmers and athletes competing on mats) and disposition (e. g. microtraumata of the skin in runners) athletes are prone to a higher risk for mycotic infections by dermatophytes. In disciplines with close contact during competition-especially wrestlers and judoists-infections by the anthropophilic Trichophyton (T.) tonsurans are most important (tinea gladiatorum). These infections are highly contagious and often cause small epidemics especially if the primary source of infection is not promptly recognized. The environment of the athletes (e. g. mats) and asymptomatic carriers may be sources of further spread. Tinea pedis with its clinical manifestations seems to be often underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated. Environmental contamination by fungal spores may be responsible for the significantly higher level of mycotic infections of the feet in children and adolescents active in sports. There is a higher risk for spread of the infection to the toe nails (onychomycosis) and for consecutive infections by bacteria (e. g. erysipelas). More rarely infections by zoophilic or geophilic dermatophytes are seen in athletes (e.g. equestrians). Education and more intensive measures of prevention and environmental decontamination are essential for all dermatophytoses associated with sports.