Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility Profiling of Clinical Isolates From a Community Acquired Tinea Imbricata Outbreak Among the Bateq Subtribe in Pahang, Malaysia
doi:10.47836/mjmhs.v22.i1.1459
- Author:
Mohd Faiz Mustaffa
1
;
Izzati Abdul Halim Zaki
2
;
Nor Isfarahin Ismail
3
;
Rabi’ah Mamat
3
;
Putra Danial Mohamad Asri
3
;
Izandis Sayed
3
;
Aliza Alias
4
;
Zakiah Mohd Noordin
5
Author Information
1. Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240 Shanghai, China
2. Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 10300 Bangkok, Thailand
3. Hospital Orang Asli Gombak, KM 24, Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
4. Pharmacy Practice and Development Division, Pharmaceutical Services Programme, Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
5. Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Selangor, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Tinea imbricata (TI);
Trichophyton concentricum;
Antifungal susceptibility;
Indigenous population;
Bateq subtribe;
Drug resistance.
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2026;22(No. 1):1-10
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Tinea imbricata (TI) outbreak poses a significant health burden among indigenous populations in
rainforest regions due to their geographical isolation and poor socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological trends, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and treatment outcomes of TI among the Bateq
subtribe in Pahang, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July–October 2023 in five villages within the National Rainforest Park, Malaysia. Socio-demographic characteristics, clinical
manifestations, and treatment outcomes were collected through interviews, laboratory investigations, and clinical
examinations. Treatment modalities were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing disease burden. Results: 569
individuals were surveyed, revealing a TI prevalence rate of 7.91% with children aged 15 years and below exhibiting
the highest susceptibility (9.22%). Antifungal susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Trichophyton concentricum
demonstrated high sensitivity to terbinafine (GM MIC=0.144 μg/ml, GM MFC=0.198 μg/ml, p<0.05) and griseofulvin (GM MIC=1.741 μg/ml, GM MFC=4.782 μg/ml, p<0.05), while clotrimazole showed moderate activity (GM
MIC=5.897 μg/ml, GM MFC=22.291 μg/ml). Fluconazole demonstrated the least potency, with no fungicidal activity
observed at concentrations up to 128 μg/ml. Treatment outcomes indicated that combination therapy (terbinafine gel
and oral griseofulvin) significantly outperformed terbinafine gel alone, achieving an almost complete lesion resolution (LA reduced to 0.158±0.158 cm versus 3.684±1.522 cm , p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings provide critical
insights into the epidemiology and emerging drug resistance of TI in the Bateq subtribe, highlighting the importance
of continued surveillance, monitoring, and adaptation of treatment strategies to combat evolving antifungal resistance patterns.
- Full text:202606261115320305510+1700+JAN+C.pdf
