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Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies / Dermatological Diseases and Infestations / Nail Diseases and Treatments · Review
Biology · August 17, 2026
Early or partial results. Treat as a signal, not a conclusion.
This systematic review of 90 observational and descriptive studies reports marked regional variation in tinea capitis epidemiology and etiological agents across the Americas, with Trichophyton tonsurans predominating in North America and Caribbean regions, and Microsporum canis in South and Central America. No formal meta-analysis or certainty-of-evidence assessment was conducted due to study heterogeneity, limiting the strength of inference about causal drivers of observed geographic variation.
Systematic review of observational studies, prevalence studies, case series, and case reports. Observational studies, prevalence studies, case series, and case reports reporting epidemiological or etiological data on tinea capitis in countries of the American continent.. Americas (North America, Central America, South America, and Caribbean).
90 studies included comprising 506,086 reported cases of tinea capitis across the Americas Trichophyton tonsurans predominated in North America and several Caribbean countries Microsporum canis was the most frequently reported etiological agent in much of South America and parts of Central America
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Clinicians should recognize regional variation in predominant tinea capitis species when selecting empiric antifungal therapy and considering zoonotic transmission risk; region-specific surveillance and diagnosis are essential to guide appropriate treatment in different parts of the Americas.
Systematic review of observational and descriptive studies without meta-analysis, formal certainty assessment, or prospective registration; aggregates heterogeneous epidemiological data to characterize regional patterns rather than test efficacy or causation.
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Clinicians should recognize regional variation in predominant tinea capitis species when selecting empiric antifungal therapy and considering zoonotic transmission risk; region-specific surveillance and diagnosis are essential to guide appropriate treatment in different parts of the Americas.
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Background: Tinea capitis remains one of the most common superficial fungal infections in children worldwide and represents an important public health concern due to its high prevalence, potential complications, and changing epidemiology. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological trends and etiological distribution of tinea capitis across the Americas through a systematic review of the available literature. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, SCILIT, and SciELO following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 250 records were identified, of which 75 duplicates were removed. After title and abstract screening and eligibility assessment, 90 studies were included. Observational studies, prevalence studies, case series, and case reports reporting epidemiological or etiological data on tinea capitis in countries of the American continent were considered eligible. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. No formal certainty-of-evidence assessment or meta-analysis was performed due to the descriptive nature and heterogeneity of the included studies. This review was not prospectively registered. Results: The 90 included studies comprised 506,086 reported cases of tinea capitis. Marked regional differences were identified in the distribution of dermatophyte species. Trichophyton tonsurans predominated in North America and several Caribbean countries, whereas Microsporum canis was the most frequently reported etiological agent in much of South America and parts of Central America, suggesting an important role of zoonotic transmission in these regions. Variations in prevalence and species distribution were also associated with geographic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Overall, the included studies demonstrated low-to-moderate methodological risk of bias. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate substantial heterogeneity in the epidemiology of tinea capitis throughout the Americas and highlight the importance of continuous surveillance, accurate mycological diagnosis, and region-specific public health strategies to improve disease control and guide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
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