The German federal government does not plan any measures to protect against the illness Dermatophilosis or fungal infections caused by the fungal strain Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII (TMVII). This stems from the response to a written question by Bundestag member Maik Brückner (Left Party) (PDF, Question 124).
The two rare skin conditions have occupied health authorities in several countries for several months. The affected group is primarily men who have sex with men.
Transmission in Gay Saunas
Dermatophilosis is triggered by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. The disease typically affects animals—especially horses and cattle—in damp, cold seasons—and is rare in humans. According to a report in the professional journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases,” many of the affected individuals had previously spent time in saunas. In such settings, transmission could proceed more quickly, as moist conditions may facilitate the release and survival of infectious Dermatophilus spores in the environment (TheColu.mn reported).
Nearly parallel to this, a rare fungal skin infection has been spreading among gay and bisexual men. The culprit is a particular fungal strain named Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII (TMVII). It causes a form of ringworm that can appear mainly in the genital, buttock, or abdomen areas and often yields painful, itchy skin changes. The fungus spreads primarily through close skin contact, especially during sex. In the Minneapolis metro area alone, more than 30 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported (TheColu.mn reported).
16 Known Cases in the Berlin Metropolitan Area
Nevertheless, the federal government sees no cause for concern. “Due to the small number (16 currently known cases, particularly in the Berlin metropolitan area), the good treatability with standard antibiotics, and the relatively mild clinical course, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) assesses the risks to the population, including men who have sex with men, as low,” reads the response to Brückner’s written question from Health State Secretary Georg Kippels (CDU).
“Probable pathways of transmission include direct skin-to-skin contact within sexual networks, e.g., visits to sex-positive saunas, as well as a possible indirect transmission via contaminated surfaces,” Kippels continued. Treating clinicians are being alerted to consider an infection with Dermatophilus congolensis in patients showing appropriate symptoms and to initiate treatment.
“The RKI is maintaining close collaboration on this issue with the Berlin State Office for Health and Social Affairs as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control,” the Parliamentary State Secretary explained. “No further measures are planned at this time.” (mize)
