MOMOH JESUSEME JUDITH

Tinea capitis is a contagious dermatophytic infection of the scalp that constitutes a significant public health concern, particularly among children in resource-limited environments. This study investigated the prevalence and dermatophyte species distribution of Tinea capitis among children in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State,Nigeria. A total of 160 children were examined, and scalp scrapings were collected and processed using standard mycological techniques. Dermatophyte isolates were identified based on colonial morphology and microscopic characteristics. Out of the 160 childrensampled, 59 were positive for Tinea capitis, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 36.9%. Prevalence was slightly higher in females (38.9%) than in males (34.3%), though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.276).Children aged 6–10 years recorded the highest prevalence (41.8%), followed by 1–5 years (33.3%) and 11–15 years (33.3%), with no significant association between age and infection (p > 0.05). Six dermatophyte species were identified, with Trichophyton mentagrophyte (28.8%) being the most common, followed by Microsporum gypseum (18.6%), Trichophyton equinum (15.3%), Trichophyton rubrum (15.3%), Microsporum canis (13.6%), and Trichophyton epidermophyton (8.5%). The predominance of both anthropophilic and zoophilic species indicates multiple transmission routes within the camp.These findings highlight a considerable burden of Tinea capitis among children in IDP settings,underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, routine screening, timely antifungal treatment, and targeted health interventions to mitigate the spread and consequences of the infection