Recurrent <i>Trichophyton tonsurans</i> Tinea in a Surgical Resident and Possible Links to the Workplace Conditions

Abstract Introduction . Dermatophyte infections (tinea) caused by the anthropophilic fungus Trichophyton tonsurans are highly prevalent diseases transmitted primarily person-to-person or via contaminated objects. Objectives: To report a case of recurrent tinea corporis and tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in a surgical resident, to evaluate the potential link with the occupational hazards and to highlight the predisposing factors. Case report . A 30-year-old Italian male surgical resident in France with a history of Celiac Disease and Hypothyroidism presented a Trichophyton tonsurans recurrent infection five months after the initial remission. Meantime, an infection with the same pathogen occurred to another surgeon, working in the same team. This relapse prompted an Occupational Medicine investigation to evaluate a potential work-related dermatosis specifically linked to the prolonged use of protective equipment (masks, gloves, surgical attire) and localized humidity. Conclusions . This case highlights the challenge of managing recurrent dermatophytosis, possibly favoured by subtle systemic factors such as comorbidities with autoimmune mechanism. The rapid relapse suggests that the occupational environment may either contribute to fungal persistence or represent a source of re-contamination. The presence of the same dermatological infection in another member of the team supports the need for consideration of dermatophytosis caused by T. tonsurans as a potential occupational disease in surgery personnel and highlights the gaps in existing regulatory tables.