Successful treatment of tinea capitis with griseofulvin caused by Microsporum canis

Background: Griseofulvin is an antimycotic which has been used successfully as a treatment of tinea capitis caused by dermatophytes. Objective: Our aim was to assess the efficacy of griseofulvin therapy in tinea capitis caused by zoophilic species, Microsporum canis. Patients and methods: Nine mycologically confirmed cases of inflammatory and non-inflammatory tinea capitis were enrolled in the study. Griseofulvin therapy was started 10mg/kg once daily at night with milk for 8 weeks and the patients were followed up to 8 weeks after the completion of therapy. Results: Of 9 patients, 4 were males while 5 were female children. The age ranged from 6 to 12 years. The agminate folliculitis type was noted in five patients and grey patch variety was seen in four patients. Microsporum canis was the pathogen isolated in all cases. The patients were prescribed griseofulvin. Clinical cure was seen in 89% cases while mycological cure was seen in 100% patients at 16 weeks final evaluation (8 weeks after the completion of therapy). The adverse events were few, mild and reversible in nature. Conclusion: Griseofulvin was found to be effective, well-tolerated and safe therapy for tinea capitis caused by Microsporum canis.