Introduction:
Dermatophytosis caused by Nannizzia gypsea formerly Microsporum gypse um is rare in occurrence due to its geophilic adaptation and weak pathogenic potential in establishing infection in humans. The taxonomical status of N. gypsea has been controversial over the years and has now reached a concordance among mycologists. Innumerable reports of N. gypsea causing widespread infection in human immunodeficiency virus patients trails them as an important agent of consideration in an immunocompromised host. There have been sporadic reports of N. gypsea causing glabrous skin tinea and onychomycosis in healthy patients and the prevalence reports gravitate around 1-6.5 %. A variety of non-anthropophilic dermatophytes including novel species have now been implicated in causing dermatophytosis reflecting the era of crux changes in the epidemiology.
Case report:
We present a case of chronic dermatophytosis in a 22-year-old healthy Indian with a history of contact with a dog and soil and other factors favouring dermatophytosis. Conventional and molecular sequencing established the isolate as N. gypsea. Antifungal susceptibility test revealed a higher MIC of griseofulvin and lower MIC to azoles and terbinafine. The patient had complete clinical resolution following administration of oral terbinafine.
Conclusion:
Amidst the hyper-endemic-like scenario of tinea in India, this case report stands as a unique example of a patient infected with N. gypsea showing complete clinical resolution using terbinafine. Studies implicating N. gypsea in an immunocompetent host are rare and there is a need for more studies on geophilic dermatophytes causing tinea in the man for laying down effective preventive measures.