Sexually transmitted Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII: molecular, pathogenic, human interaction surveillance and comparative indicators of a potentially new endemic threat
Abstract
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) has surfaced as a significant sexually acquired fungal pathogen that triggers severe, inflammatory skin responses. While its origins are animal-based (zoonotic), this organism has successfully integrated into human intimate networks, resulting in notable outbreaks across the European and North American continents, particularly now trending in among men who have sex with men. This trend has significantly increased during the last few years. Molecular surveillance using ITS region sequencing distinguishes TMVII from other closely related species via limited diagnostic SNPs and core-genome analysis reveals diversity and specific host adaptation through a specialized arsenal of keratin-degrading proteases (MEP1-4, SUB6). Data from 2022 to 2026 suggest the escalating endemic potential of TMVII driven by sexual and travel-associated transmission, where emerging terbinafine treatment failures and cryptic transmission within dense social networks threatens to establish this fungus as a devastating chronic endemic. Unlike common tinea, these lesions are intensely inflamed and often require three to eight weeks of systemic therapy. With rising global cases and increased transmission via travel and contact, there is a compelling need for urgent clinical awareness, enhanced diagnostic screening, and proactive public health interventions to prevent widespread intractable transmission. Addressing this escalating threat is the need of the…
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