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Dermatologists from India and 13 other countries have criticized the region-specific nomenclature of the novel fungus species, Trichophyton (T.) indotineae.
The best practices for naming diseases focus on using descriptive terms based on symptoms and specific characteristics like severity or seasonality.
These guidelines were developed by WHO in collaboration with OIE and the FAO, and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Trichophyton Indotineae
T. indotineae, first identified in 2020 by Japanese dermatologists in patients from India and Nepal, has since been detected in over 40 countries.
Its origin remains unclear, as it was found in Australia, Oman, and Iran before the 2010s epidemic of multi-drug-resistant tinea infections.
It belongs to the dermatophyte group. Dermatophytosis is the superficial infection of the skin, hair, and nails by dermatophyte fungi.
T. indotineae causes inflammatory and itchy, often widespread, dermatophytosis affecting the groins, gluteal region, trunk, and face.
Patients of all ages and genders are affected.
Spreads through direct skin contact and contaminated objects (e.g., towels, clothing).
It is resistant against the first-line antifungal agent terbinafine.
The species name, linked to India (and "indotineae"), has faced criticism for being region-specific, which could perpetuate stigma and misinformation.
The naming is prejudicial and contradicts guidelines set by organizations such as the WHO and the American Society of Microbiology.
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