Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate pathogens and pathogenic factors for tinea capitis in wrestlers. Methods A case series study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from 5 wrestlers with tinea capitis who were diagnosed and treated at the Department of Mycology, Dermatology Hospital of Jiangxi Province between March 2021 and August 2024. Results of direct microscopic examination of hair samples, fungal culture, and pathogen identification were analyzed, and genetic homology analysis of the pathogens was performed. Results Among the 5 patients with tinea capitis, there were 2 males and 3 females, aged 11 - 16 years （14.2 ± 1.9 years）. Clinical manifestations included black dot-like broken hairs, hair loss, increased dandruff, etc. Direct microscopy and fungal culture of hair samples were positive in all cases. Sequencing of the fungal isolates identified Trichophyton tonsurans as the causative pathogen in all 5 cases. A phylogenetic tree constructed based on internal transcribed spacer region sequences showed that the 5 Trichophyton tonsurans clustered with the reference strain CBS112186 with 99% bootstrap support, indicating high genetic homology. All patients were treated with oral itraconazole combined with topical miconazole nitrate 2% cream and terbinafine gel for 4 - 8 weeks, and all achieved clinical cure. Conclusion In this study, Trichophyton tonsurans was identified as the causative pathogen for tinea capitis in wrestlers, exhibiting high genetic homology. However, their clinical presentations varied. Factors such as the sport environment, living conditions, and close contact during wrestling may contribute to the transmission of Trichophyton tonsurans.

Key words: Tinea capitis, Trichophyton tonsurans, Wrestler, Fungal culture, Internal transcribed spacer identification, Skin manifestations, Therapy