Research in Medicine

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Abstract Background: The management of skin infections in wrestlers and other athletes in sports involving skin-to-skin contact is challenging, from making an accurate diagnosis to determining eligibility for play. In recent years, skin diseases in wrestling have finally received the attention it deserves. Tinea corporis gladiatorum, caused most frequently by triclophyton tonsurans, infect wrestlers at alarming rates. To control the outbreak, we conducted an epidemiologic investigation. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of tinea corporis gladiatorum in wrestlers club in Tehran. Materials and methods: A study of dermatophytosis among wrestlers was carried out during March 2004 to December 2005 in 612 mycologically proven cases of dermatophytosis in wrestlers in Tehran. The wrestler mycologically examination consisting of direct microscopic observation and culture of pathologic material. Diagnosis was based on the macro-and microscopic characteristics of the colonies. Results: Trichophyton tonsurans was the predominant dermatophyte, accounting for 92.6% of all tinea corporis gladiatorum isolates in each of the 2 years analyzed. Tinea corporis gladiatorum was found to be more frequent in 10-20 (72.7%) and follow 21-30(22.4%) age groups. The wrestlers with tinea corporis gladiatorum were mostly from wrestler clubs in south and south-east of Tehran. Transmission of tinea corporis is primarily through skin-to- skin contact. Conclusion: Practicing wrestling can lead to direct and indirect exposures to transmission of dermatophytes. The rapid identification and treatment of tinea corporis gladiatorum is vital to minimize disruption in team practices and competition, are paramount. Since infection with dermatophytes can disqualify a wrestler from competing in matches, vigilant surveillance and rapid initiation of therapy can reduce the suspension of a team's practice and competition.

Keywords: Tinea gladiatorum, Dermatophytosis, Wrestlers\' skin infections, Trichophyton tonsurans.

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