Drug-resistant ringworm cases discovered in NYC, first in the US.
Two cases of severe tinea caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a novel dermatophyte species that is highly transmissible and frequently resistant to terbinafine, have been reported in New York City. The cases highlight the potential for local transmission of the infection in the United States and the need for correct identification through genomic sequencing. Health care providers should consider T. indotineae infection in patients with widespread tinea that does not improve with first-line treatments and contact their state or local public health department for assistance with testing. Antimicrobial stewardship efforts are essential to minimize the misuse and overuse of antifungal drugs and corticosteroids.