Incidence of Dermatophytes Causing Tinea Infections Among School Children in Makurdi, Benue State

Dermatophytosis remains among the most common fungal infections affecting school-age children in sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in warm, humid conditions and spreading readily in school environments. This study determines the incidence of dermatophytes causing tinea infections among school children in Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A total of 180 children aged 5 to 15 years from five primary schools were clinically examined, and skin scrapings, hair specimens, and nail clippings were collected from children presenting with suspected dermatophyte lesions. Specimens were processed using direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide preparation and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Species identification was based on colonial morphology, pigmentation, and microscopic features including macroconidia morphology. Tinea capitis was the most prevalent clinical form, accounting for 54 percent of cases, followed by tinea corporis (28 percent) and tinea unguium (11 percent). Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton violaceum were the dominant species recovered. Prevalence was highest in children aged 7 to 10 years and significantly associated with shared combs and head gear. Male children showed higher tinea capitis prevalence. Recommendations include health education emphasising personal hygiene, prohibition of comb sharing in schools, and school nurse training in early dermatophytosis recognition in Benue State. Keywords: dermatophytes, tinea infection, school children, Makurdi, ringworm