Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections in Slovenia
Several countries reported differences in dermatophytes epidemiology that have been associated with migration from endemic areas. We analysed notified dermatophytoses/tinea infections (N=52 600) in Slovenia 2006–2019. Tinea most frequently affected persons aged 40–55 years (19.3%) and elderly ≥65 years of age (20.2%). Skin changes appeared most frequently on feet (17.5%), followed by trunk (11.3%), face/scalp (8.9%) and arms (7.2%). Pathogens were laboratory-confirmed on average in 4.5%. In children, Microsporum canis (84.1%) was the most frequently diagnosed dermatophyte, and Trichophyton rubrum (42.8%) was the most prevalent among adults. Elderly/pensioners and school children seem to contract the infection more likely (p<0.05). To better understand and trace the source of infection higher proportion of laboratory identified infection is essential. In the future, it is essential to collect precise epidemiological, clinical and microbiological/isolation data to identify potential risk factors and transmission pathways to be able to implement targeted interventions/measures, especially in more susceptible populations of older people and in schools. It is important to conduct multisectoral research on fungal infections with dermatophytes with a focus on the investigation of outbreaks of virulent and resistant species in human and veterinary medicine and the environment from "One Health" perspective.