الفهرس 
AcknowledgmentOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Tinea capitis is a superficial dermatophytosis involving the scalp, eye brows and eye lashes affecting hair shafts with or without the production of perforating folliculitis. It is caused by some species of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum. Tinea capitis is the most common pediatric fungal infection around the world, with increasing incidence. It may, at a time, become a clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic challange. Tinea capitis is highly contagious becoming almost epidemic in some countries, presenting a significant public health problem. The present study aimed at 1- Studying tinea capitis among primary school children in both urban and rural Alexandria. 2- Evaluation of the accuracy of tooth brush and cotton swab versus the traditional method (scraping) in diagnosis of tinea capitis. 3- Identification of the different etiological agents of tinea capitis in Alexandria. The present work was performed during the schoolastic year 2000-2001, including 2462 school children from 11 primary mixed schools, representing the six administrative districts of Alexandria. The sample was designed to represent both sexes and the different socioeconomic standards. The scalp was examined for lesions by the naked eye. Typically, suspected children had one or more of the following signs: scaling, erythema, alopecia, block dot, secondary infection. Samples were taken from suspected cases using number 15 scalpel blade, sterile cotton swab, sterile tooth brush. (Samples taken by swabbing and brushing techniques were cultured immediately after sampling). Detailed history including (Names, age, sex, residence, parent’s education and occupation, house overcrowding). History about onset and course of the disease, similar or other dermatological lesions in another body sites and recurrent similar conditions. Family history of similar conditions and contact with pets. History of intake of local or systemic antifungals was also included. The collected scrapings were divided into two portions for 10 KOH examination by light microscope, the rest for culture on SDA with 0.05 mg/L chloramphenicol and 0.5 mg/L cycloheximid. The media were then incubated at 28?C for 6 weeks. Isolates were identified by gross morphology and microscopic examination. In few cases, the slide culture technique was performed to determine the undisturbed relationship between the spores and the condiophore. Whenever any doubt was raised concerning any dermatophyte, other tests or media were consulted for instance.