The Epidemiology of Ringworm of the Scalp Due to Microsporon audouini With Reference to an Outbreak of the Disease in Inverness

Tillotson, John Eric (1947) The Epidemiology of Ringworm of the Scalp Due to Microsporon audouini With Reference to an Outbreak of the Disease in Inverness. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

1. The epidemiology of ringworm of the scalp has been discussed in relation to 384 cases of the disease noted in Inverness, Scotland, in the years 1943 to 1946. 2. The predominant causal organism appeared to be microsporon audouini. 3. The clinical appearances conformed to those usually noted and the predominant site of the lesion appeared to be the occipital region of the scalp. 4. Susceptibility appeared to be greater in boys, and in the age group 6 to 8 years, in all children affected. Reasons are advanced that resistance to the disease develops in children affected and the "carrier" condition is discussed. 5. It is suggested that the disease is transmitted by close contact and that the communal use of toilet articles in the family, contact in play and cinema attendance, is more likely to lead to transmission of the disease than school attendance, which is considered to be a minor factor in transmission. The theory is advanced that it is/ is necessary for the causal organism to be inoculated by mild trauma in order to cause clinical infection. 6. The incubation period of the disease has been undetermined but it is suggested that it is not lively to be greater than eight weeks. 7. In Inverness, ringworm of the scalp showed an epidemic wave and seasonal prevalence. The relationship between dispersibility of the disease and measures used in control in respect to seasonal prevalence is discussed. 8. It appeared that overcrowding, low social status, and war conditions increased the incidence of the disease. 9. Methods adopted for the control of the disease are outlined and discussed.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Medicine, Epidemiology
• Date of Award: 1947
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1947-79641
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2020 16:19
• Last Modified: 04 Mar 2020 16:19
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79641