Kerion Celsi Caused by Microsporum Gypseum in a Chinese Child: A Case Report

A 6-year-old boy in China developed kerion Celsi, a severe form of tinea capitis, caused by the geophilic fungus Microsporum gypseum, likely transmitted from a guinea pig. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical and laboratory investigations, including reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of oral itraconazole, oral prednisolone, and topical terbinafine, leading to remission of the infection and new hair growth observed during a 4-month follow-up. This case is the first reported instance of kerion Celsi caused by M. gypseum.