From Bacteria and Viruses to Fungi: A New Kind of STD

When we think of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), we usually imagine bacteria (like Chlamydia or Syphilis) or viruses (like HIV or herpes). Fungi have largely stayed out of the STD spotlight – until now. Fungal infections are caused by eukaryotic organisms (yeasts, molds, and their kin) that are biologically quite different from bacteria and viruses. They have sturdy cell walls and form spores; many fungi are opportunists, causing infections when our defenses are down or when they hitch a ride into new territory (for instance, via moisture and skin contact). This makes them a very different beast from typical bacterial or viral STDs in how they behave and how we treat them.

Historically, fungi haven’t been classified as STDs even when they affect the genital area. For example, vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida yeasts) are common in women and can cause itching and discharge. Sexual activity can trigger yeast overgrowth or pass yeast back and forth between partners, “contributing to the development” of an infection, as the World Health Organization notes ( Candidiasis (yeast infection) ). However, because yeast infections often result from an imbalance of normal flora rather than from an external contagion, they’re “not officially classified as a sexually transmitted infection” ( Candidiasis (yeast infection) ). Similarly, the familiar “jock itch” in men (tinea cruris, a fungal rash in the groin) can spread among people in close contact (including sexual contact) but isn’t formally considered an STD. In short, fungi have been adjacent to the STD world, but not in the club.

That understanding is now evolving. In the past year, doctors and researchers have identified at least one fungus that deserves a spot on the STD roster (Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections: Causes & Treatments). And they’re eyeing a few others with suspicion. This article dives into the emergence of sexually transmissible fungal pathogens – what they are, how they spread, their symptoms and treatments – and how sexual health experts and clinics are responding to this new frontier in men’s sexual health and STD prevention.

The Fungus Among Us: Meet the New Sexually Transmitted Fungi

Can a fungus really be sexually transmitted? Until recently, that question didn’t have a clear answer. But in 2024, it did. For the first time, doctors in the United States confirmed a sexually transmitted fungal infection. The source was Trichophyton mentagrophytes Type VII, or TMVII, a dermatophyte fungus known to cause aggressive skin infections.

Dermatophytes are the same class of fungi responsible for ringworm and athlete’s foot. TMVII, however, is more severe. It has been linked to outbreaks of inflamed, painful rashes in parts of Asia and Europe, especially among people who engage in close skin contact. According to NYU Langone Health, by 2023 TMVII was increasingly diagnosed across Europe, including at least 13 cases in France, most of them in men who have sex with men.

The United States saw its first case when a man in his thirties returned to New York City after traveling to England, Greece, and California. Not long after, he developed a red, inflamed rash that spread across his groin, genitals, buttocks, and legs. Doctors initially suspected common ringworm, but genetic testing identified the true cause: TMVII. The patient reported having multiple male sexual partners during his travels, though none of them showed any symptoms. As Live Science reported, this was the first documented case of sexually transmitted TMVII in the country.

The case was later detailed in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, marking a turning point in fungal disease research. The Cleveland Clinic has since described TMVII as the only fungal infection with clear evidence of sexual transmission, distinguishing it from more common fungi like those behind jock itch or vaginal yeast infections.

Candida auris: An STI in the Making?

Candida auris is a name that has gained serious attention in hospitals around the world. First identified just over a decade ago, this yeast species quickly became known as a “superbug” fungus. It is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, difficult to detect, and extremely persistent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now considers it an urgent public health threat because of how easily it spreads and the high mortality associated with invasive infections.

Traditionally, Candida auris has been linked to hospital outbreaks. It moves from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces, shared equipment, or even the skin of asymptomatic carriers. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), this yeast can survive for long periods on surfaces and is especially hard to eliminate in clinical environments.

This has led researchers to consider a new question: could Candida auris also spread through sexual contact? The fungus is known to live on the skin without causing symptoms, which makes person-to-person transmission in intimate settings theoretically possible. While it is not officially recognized as a sexually transmitted infection, a 2024 case report suggested that sexual transmission might have occurred. The case remains under investigation, but it highlights a growing concern: the line between hospital-acquired infections and those acquired in the community, including through sexual activity, may be getting blurrier.

If a fungus can live on the skin or persist in the body without immediate symptoms, then intimacy may become an unexpected transmission route. This is especially relevant as Candida auris becomes more common outside hospital walls.

Still, it is important to put things in perspective. Most fungal infections are not considered STDs. Common yeast infections, such as vaginal candidiasis, can pass between partners and may recur, but they are typically triggered by internal imbalances rather than transmission from a partner. They do not behave like infections such as gonorrhea or syphilis, which spread through specific sexual routes.

What has changed is our understanding. Certain fungi, given the right conditions, may start to behave like STDs. That shift matters not just for clinicians, but for public health systems around the world.

How Do You Catch a Fungal STD? Transmission and Risk Factors

Fungal STDs don’t spread the same way viral infections like HIV or herpes do. Viruses typically rely on bodily fluids such as semen or blood for transmission. Fungi, on the other hand, tend to spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. This is similar to how you might catch athlete’s foot in a communal shower or ringworm from close contact on a gym mat.

The difference here lies in location and context. With TMVII ringworm, sexual contact creates the perfect conditions. Friction, warmth, and moisture during intimacy provide the ideal environment for fungal spores to move from one person’s skin to another. Common sites of infection include the groin, genitals, inner thighs, buttocks, and even the face, especially for those engaging in oral sex or other close contact. As noted by the Cleveland Clinic, these infections can easily transfer during sexual activity that involves exposed skin.

The first documented cluster of TMVII infections in the United States occurred among men who have sex with men and travelers returning from overseas sexual encounters. According to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, similar outbreaks had already been reported in France as early as 2021, largely affecting the MSM community. Individuals who had traveled to Southeast Asia for sex tourism were also part of the early case profiles.

In today’s globally connected world, someone can contract a rare fungal strain abroad and unknowingly bring it back into their local sexual network. This pattern of travel-related spread is exactly how TMVII moved from Southeast Asia to Europe, then on to North America in just a few years.

So how effective are condoms and other protective methods against fungal STDs?

Barrier protection such as condoms is excellent at reducing risk for infections spread by fluids, like chlamydia or gonorrhea. But for fungal infections, they may offer only partial protection. A condom covers the penis, but not the surrounding skin. If a ringworm lesion is present on the groin, thighs, or buttocks, skin contact can still spread the infection. The same applies to oral sex involving a partner with a facial fungal rash.

Public health agencies now recommend avoiding any sexual contact until fungal infections are fully resolved. If you or your partner notice a rash, particularly one that does not respond to regular creams, it is best to pause sexual activity and seek medical advice.

Could shared items play a role? Possibly. Although not yet documented in studies, fungi like Candida auris are known to survive on fabrics and hard surfaces. That raises the theoretical risk of transmission through shared towels, clothes, or sex toys. Practising good hygiene, keeping genital areas clean and dry, and not sharing personal items are essential habits. Using barrier methods like condoms and dental dams may help reduce, though not eliminate, skin-to-skin transmission.

In summary, the key risk factors for a fungal STD include:

• Close skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection
• Multiple or anonymous sexual partners
• Travel to regions with known outbreaks
• Recent hospitalization or antibiotic use, which may trigger yeast overgrowth
• Frequent use of high-contact spaces like gyms, saunas, or spas

These patterns, seen among MSM, travellers, and sexually active individuals, reflect how the infection spreads rather than who is at risk.

What to Look For: Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections

In many cases, the symptoms of a sexually transmitted fungal infection look similar to other common skin conditions, which makes diagnosis challenging. To understand what to look for, it helps to break down the symptoms into two main types: the ringworm-type infection caused by TMVII or related Trichophyton fungi, and yeast-type infections like those caused by Candida.

Ringworm-Type (Dermatophyte) Infections

If you develop a ringworm-type fungal infection on your skin, such as TMVII, the first sign is usually a rash. Unlike the neat circles associated with classic ringworm, these rashes can be more irregular and inflamed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, sexually transmitted fungal rashes often appear as red or pink patches with a slightly raised and scaly border. They may be ring-shaped or have an edge that looks different in color or texture. These lesions can show up on the genitals, groin, inner thighs, buttocks, around the anus, or even on the face.

They are frequently itchy and may burn or sting. In more severe cases, the rash can become blistered or filled with pus if a bacterial infection sets in. The CDC has reported that the rash may worsen with heat and moisture, such as after sex or during exercise. In the first confirmed U.S. case of TMVII, the patient developed lesions not just in the groin, but also on the buttocks, legs, and arms. Initial treatments did not work, as described in Live Science, until doctors realized the infection was TMVII.

The circular lesions might have a red, scaly edge while the center is flatter, creating a target-like pattern. However, dermatologists at NYU Langone Health warn that TMVII infections can look nothing like typical ringworm. They may resemble eczema and be misdiagnosed unless properly tested. If you have a persistent rash in the groin or on the genitals that does not improve with common creams, it could be a fungal infection that needs medical attention.

Yeast-Type Infections

Yeast infections present differently. Women with a vaginal yeast infection often report intense itching, redness, and a thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Men can develop candidal balanitis, which causes irritation, redness, and sometimes a white buildup under the foreskin.

If a drug-resistant species like Candida auris were transmitted sexually, the symptoms might be more persistent. A yeast infection that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatment may indicate a resistant strain. While Candida auris can cause invasive disease with symptoms such as fever or chills, sexually transmitted cases would likely begin with surface-level irritation.

You can learn more about common vaginal yeast infections and how to distinguish them from other types of infections on the Shim Clinic website.

Additional Symptoms to Watch

General symptoms such as fever or overall fatigue are unusual for skin-limited fungal infections but could suggest the fungus is affecting the body more deeply. Also, if rashes are appearing on other parts of the body like the torso or limbs, this might indicate the fungus is spreading through touch. The CDC has noted that TMVII can affect the trunk, arms, legs, face, buttocks, and genitals.

People do not always connect a rash to a recent sexual encounter. If symptoms develop a week or two after being with a new partner, they might be blamed on a new soap or hot weather. However, if a rash continues despite typical anti-itch or antifungal creams, it is a good idea to get evaluated. This is especially important if your partner has a rash or if you have had multiple recent partners.

As Dr. Avrom Caplan, one of the physicians involved in identifying the first TMVII case, points out, clinicians should ask about rashes near the groin and buttocks, particularly in patients who are sexually active, have recently traveled, or have other unexplained skin irritation. In short, a rash in a private area may be more than just eczema. If it’s not improving, speak with a healthcare provider.

Testing and Diagnosis: How Do We Identify a Fungal STD?

Diagnosing a fungal STD is not always straightforward. These infections can look like eczema, psoriasis, or even herpes, which makes clinical diagnosis alone unreliable. That is why laboratory testing plays such a critical role in getting it right.

At sexual health clinics or dermatology practices, one of the first tools used is a KOH prep. In this test, a small skin scraping is placed on a microscope slide with potassium hydroxide. The solution dissolves skin cells but leaves fungal cells intact, allowing a clinician to spot features like hyphae or yeast under the microscope. The California Department of Public Health urges clinicians to use this method when evaluating suspected cases of TMVII, the fungal strain behind the first confirmed sexually transmitted ringworm in the United States.

If a fungal infection is confirmed, the sample may also be sent for fungal culture. This involves letting the organism grow in a lab to identify the species. Although it takes longer, culturing is essential for diagnosing unusual strains. In the first New York case of TMVII, doctors initially misidentified the rash as standard ringworm. Only when the lab results came back did they realize the patient had a much more resistant and unfamiliar fungus. This case is now detailed in the CDC’s MMWR, along with additional cases that were discovered later.

In more complex cases, public health labs may use genetic sequencing. This process analyzes the DNA of the fungus to determine its exact strain and origin. According to CIDRAP, sequencing helped link the United States TMVII cases to outbreaks in Asia and Europe. While not widely available in primary care clinics, these tools are becoming more accessible as surveillance expands.

For suspected Candida auris, diagnosis is even more challenging. This yeast is often resistant to multiple drugs and can be misidentified using routine lab methods. Hospitals now use specialized cultures or PCR-based molecular tests to confirm its presence. The NCBI StatPearls guide on Candida auris explains how this fungus is often mistaken for other types unless very specific methods are used. In some cases, skin or groin swabs are done when Candida auris is suspected, especially in high-risk individuals.

It is important to note that standard STD panels do not check for fungi. Most clinics screen for bacterial and viral infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. A separate exam is needed to evaluate suspicious rashes, especially those around the groin, genitals, or buttocks. Clinics that focus on men’s sexual health are increasingly incorporating fungal diagnostics such as KOH exams and fungal cultures into their routine when skin symptoms are present.

Misdiagnosis is common. In the initial TMVII case, doctors prescribed the wrong antifungal because they thought it was a regular infection. The treatment failed until a lab confirmed the true identity of the fungus. As described by CIDRAP, this delay could have been avoided with early lab testing.

For clinicians who need support, the CDC offers a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinical Consultation Network, where experts help guide diagnosis and treatment of unusual cases. If you are a patient and your rash is not going away, or if your provider is unsure what is causing it, you can ask for additional testing or a referral to a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist.

Treatment: Can These Fungal STDs Be Cured?

The good news is that fungal STDs can be treated and cured. The catch is that treatment tends to be more complex and drawn out compared to many bacterial STDs. You cannot simply take a one-time antibiotic shot, as you might for chlamydia or syphilis. Instead, antifungal medication is the main approach, and the course may stretch over several weeks, depending on the severity and species of fungus.

Treating TMVII and Dermatophyte Infections

For infections caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes Type VII (TMVII), oral antifungal medication is typically required. The first-line drug is terbinafine, often prescribed at a dose of 250 mg daily. This medication is part of a class called allylamines and is generally effective against dermatophytes. As outlined in the CDC’s report, patients in the New York TMVII cluster were treated successfully with oral terbinafine over several weeks.

Topical creams may be used for mild cases, but with widespread or drug-resistant infections, oral treatment is preferred. Some related strains, such as Trichophyton indotineae, have shown resistance to terbinafine, particularly in South Asia. In these cases, doctors may prescribe alternatives like itraconazole or griseofulvin. According to CIDRAP, one patient in the United States failed to respond to fluconazole and later recovered after switching to terbinafine, followed by itraconazole.

Treatment often lasts between four to six weeks, sometimes longer for stubborn infections. Topical antifungals are usually used alongside oral medications to reinforce the treatment. As with antibiotics, it’s important not to stop early. Skipping doses can lead to recurrence and possibly resistance.

What About Yeast Infections?

Standard vaginal yeast infections or balanitis in men can usually be managed with a short course of topical antifungal cream like clotrimazole, or a single oral dose of fluconazole. However, treatment becomes more difficult if the yeast involved is Candida auris. This drug-resistant fungus has been identified in hospital outbreaks, and it does not always respond to typical azole treatments like fluconazole.

For serious Candida auris infections, doctors may use echinocandin antifungals such as micafungin, administered via IV. While such a route is unlikely for surface-level genital colonisation, resistance can still make topical or oral treatment ineffective. This is why fungal identification is so important. If an infection is resistant, stronger medications or consultation with an infectious disease specialist may be required.

You can learn more about candidiasis and antifungal treatments at Shim Clinic.

Should Partners Be Treated Too?

In bacterial STDs, treating sexual partners is standard to prevent reinfection. Fungal infections follow a more case-by-case approach. If a person has a confirmed TMVII infection, their recent sexual partners should be examined for signs of rash. If symptoms are present, they should receive treatment as well. As of now, there are no official CDC guidelines recommending automatic treatment of asymptomatic partners, but practical steps like avoiding close contact, maintaining hygiene, and monitoring for rashes are strongly encouraged.

In some cases, providers may recommend antifungal body wash or creams as a precautionary measure. For yeast infections, male partners are typically only treated if they show symptoms. However, partner notification remains essential. In the New York cluster, two partners who had sexual contact with each other both developed TMVII, reinforcing the need for awareness and shared responsibility.

Supportive Care and Prevention

Treatment isn’t limited to medication. Keeping the affected area clean and dry is just as important. Patients are also advised to avoid any sexual contact until a healthcare provider confirms the infection has cleared. In cases of severe inflammation, doctors may prescribe a mild steroid cream alongside antifungals to reduce discomfort, though this must be done cautiously since steroids can worsen fungal infections if used alone.

The initial TMVII cases in the United States were all resolved with appropriate antifungal treatment. As reported in the CDC bulletin, all four patients recovered without complications. So far, there have been no reports of death or systemic illness from TMVII in otherwise healthy individuals.

The real concern lies in monitoring for drug resistance and ensuring the infection does not spread to others during treatment.

Public Health Response: How Clinics and Experts Are Adapting

The emergence of sexually transmitted fungal infections like TMVII has triggered a fast, coordinated response from public health agencies, sexual health clinics, and medical communities. From early warnings issued by local health departments to new protocols at clinics, steps are already underway to contain this growing concern.

In June 2024, shortly after the first U.S. case of sexually transmitted ringworm was confirmed, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statewide health advisory. The alert warned clinicians about TMVII as the first known sexually transmitted dermatophyte infection in the United States and urged them to be vigilant for genital or buttock rashes that might be fungal in origin. The advisory included diagnostic steps such as KOH testing and fungal culture, helping even less experienced providers navigate this unfamiliar scenario.

Soon after, the CDC began tracking cases through its surveillance networks. By October, four additional TMVII cases had been confirmed in New York. The CDC used its platform to advise clinicians that TMVII is now recognised as an emerging sexually transmissible infection. They also stressed the importance of asking patients about skin symptoms during sexual health consults, a question that might previously have been overlooked.

In tandem, the CDC is supporting diagnostic efforts by developing improved lab tools and resistance monitoring frameworks. TMVII and its close relative Trichophyton indotineae are now under active surveillance through antifungal resistance tracking programs. Educational resources for clinicians are also being updated to include fungal STIs.

On the ground, sexual health clinics have responded by revising intake forms and exam procedures. New patient questionnaires now include skin-related prompts such as “Have you noticed any unusual rashes?” which previously might have been excluded in standard STD screenings. Clinics serving men’s sexual health, especially those catering to MSM communities, are hosting training sessions to help staff identify fungal infections early. Outreach materials—whether posters, handouts, or online messaging—now include visuals of ringworm-like lesions and encourage patients to seek care for persistent or unexplained rashes.

Dermatology and sexual health services are also working together more closely. Some clinics now offer on-call dermatology consultation for cases of persistent genital rashes, while dermatologists are encouraged to ask patients about sexual activity when evaluating groin-area skin problems. This two-way collaboration helps bridge gaps in diagnosis and ensures better continuity of care.

Community organisations are also playing a role. Travel medicine clinics are now advising patients about the possibility of exposure to fungal infections during international travel involving sexual activity. LGBTQ+ health groups have updated their newsletters and online platforms to include alerts about sexually transmitted fungal infections, with practical advice on symptom recognition and when to get checked.

Monitoring is another key part of the public health strategy. States like New York have begun requiring labs to flag and report potential TMVII or indotineae samples. This helps public health teams conduct contact tracing or issue area-wide alerts if clusters emerge—similar to how antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea is tracked.

Importantly, this is a proactive response. We are not dealing with a widespread epidemic, but rather a set of early warning signs. The goal is to stay ahead. Experts have learned from outbreaks like mpox in 2022, where sexual transmission was only recognised after the virus had already spread across multiple countries. With fungal STIs, the hope is to prevent that scenario from unfolding again. As NYU Langone Health noted in their public statement, early awareness gives both clinicians and communities a better chance to respond before infections take root.

Finally, public health agencies are approaching communication with care. Any new STD brings the risk of stigma, especially when early cases appear in specific communities. Officials are reinforcing the message that fungal infections can affect anyone, regardless of gender or orientation. These are skin infections caused by common environmental fungi—not a reflection of hygiene or behaviour. The focus is on inclusive education, prompt diagnosis, and accessible treatment so that no one feels judged for coming forward.

Looking Ahead: Expert Opinions and Future Directions

The emergence of sexually transmitted fungal infections has sparked serious discussions among scientists, clinicians, and public health professionals. Is this the beginning of a wider trend? Could more fungal species soon join the list of known sexually transmissible pathogens? And what will it take to stay ahead of this growing challenge?

Many experts believe that we are only beginning to uncover the true extent of the issue. Dr. Avrom Caplan of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who co-authored the first U.S. case report on TMVII, noted that this strain is one of several severe fungal infections making their way into the United States. According to NYU Langone Health, there is concern that similar fungi are already spreading globally, with the potential to move through sexual networks.

Around the same time TMVII was gaining attention, researchers in New York identified 11 cases of infection caused by Trichophyton indotineae, a related species that is often resistant to terbinafine. Though it is not yet labelled a sexually transmitted infection, the nature of its spread through skin contact suggests that intimate transmission is possible. As reported by CIDRAP, this adds another layer of complexity to the evolving fungal landscape.

Global health authorities are beginning to treat fungi as serious infectious disease threats. In 2022, the World Health Organization published its first-ever list of priority fungal pathogens. Candida auris was placed in the highest risk category due to its drug resistance and outbreak potential. While not developed specifically for STIs, this list highlights the rising importance of fungi in global public health.

Several factors are contributing to the spread of fungal infections. Climate change, international travel, and increased use of antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs all play a role. Fungal diseases are on the rise, and experts are calling for better diagnostic tools and more targeted antifungal treatments. At the clinic level, early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans will be critical. Clinics like Shim Clinic are already adapting protocols to include skin symptom checks during STD screenings.

Improving diagnostics is one major area of focus. Currently, fungal STD diagnosis relies on microscopy or fungal cultures, which take time and may not always be conclusive. Researchers are developing DNA-based rapid tests that can identify fungal species in a matter of minutes. Early use of PCR testing for T. indotineae shows that this technology may soon become widely available in sexual health clinics.

The development of new antifungal medications is another priority. Compared to antibiotics, antifungal drug research has traditionally been underfunded. That is now changing. Pharmaceutical companies are exploring new compounds and drug classes that could be effective against resistant strains like TMVII or Candida auris. This could include both systemic medications and improved topical treatments for skin-level infections.

Public education is just as important. As part of broader sexual health awareness, information about fungal transmission needs to be included in clinic materials, school programs, and community outreach. A simple update to a pamphlet or website that mentions how ringworm and other fungal infections may be sexually transmitted can help people take symptoms seriously and reduce stigma.

The conversation around men’s sexual health may also shift. Some men may ignore or self-treat symptoms like groin irritation or jock itch, not realising the potential for infection. Encouraging men to seek evaluation for persistent or unusual rashes can help detect fungal STDs earlier and prevent their spread. Retail health brands may even reframe their antifungal products with a focus on sexual wellbeing.

Could more fungi appear on the sexual health radar in the years to come? It is possible. Some researchers speculate that yeasts like Candida albicans or even environmental molds could adapt in ways that make them transmissible through intimate contact. These scenarios remain hypothetical, but the medical community is staying alert.

The bottom line is this: sexually transmitted fungal infections are no longer just a possibility. They are now a documented reality. With awareness, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment, they can be managed. But vigilance is essential. Clinics, researchers, and public health experts are watching developments closely, and patients can protect themselves by recognising symptoms early, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking medical care when needed. For more on STD testing and services available in Singapore, visit Shim Clinic’s official page.

In a world where skin infections can now cross the threshold into sexual transmission, staying informed is one of the best defences we have.

References:

1. Caplan, A. S., et al. JAMA Dermatology. 2024 – First case of sexually transmitted Trichophyton (TMVII) in the U.S. (Experts Alert Doctors & the Public to the Arrival of Hard-to-Treat Fungal Skin Infections in the U.S. | NYU Langone News) (Experts Alert Doctors & the Public to the Arrival of Hard-to-Treat Fungal Skin Infections in the U.S. | NYU Langone News)
2. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Oct 2024 – Additional cases of TMVII in New York City; advice for providers (Notes from the Field: Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII — New York City, April–July 2024 | MMWR) (Notes from the Field: Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII — New York City, April–July 2024 | MMWR)
3. Cleveland Clinic – Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infection (TMVII) overview, noting it as the only known fungal STI and comparing it to jock itch/yeast (Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections: Causes & Treatments) (Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections: Causes & Treatments)
4. California Department of Public Health Advisory. June 25, 2024 – Warning clinicians of TMVII outbreak, with diagnostic and management guidelines ( CDPH warns of first U.S. case of severe sexually transmitted fungal infection ) ( CDPH warns of first U.S. case of severe sexually transmitted fungal infection )
5. World Health Organization. Fact Sheet on Candidiasis. April 2025 – Discusses common Candida infections and notes Candida auris as a drug-resistant emerging fungus ( Candidiasis (yeast infection) ) ( Candidiasis (yeast infection) )
6. NYU Langone Health News. June 2024 – “Experts alert doctors & public to hard-to-treat fungal infections” – Quotes about misdiagnosis risk and need to ask patients about rashes (Experts Alert Doctors & the Public to the Arrival of Hard-to-Treat Fungal Skin Infections in the U.S. | NYU Langone News) (Experts Alert Doctors & the Public to the Arrival of Hard-to-Treat Fungal Skin Infections in the U.S. | NYU Langone News)
7. Live Science. June 7, 2024 – “Rare fungal STI spotted in US for the 1st time” – Describes the first case, symptoms, and travel history (Rare fungal STI spotted in US for the 1st time | Live Science) (Rare fungal STI spotted in US for the 1st time | Live Science)
8. CIDRAP News. Nov 2024 – “Four cases of sexually transmitted fungal infection reported in New York” – Summary of CDC findings and prior cases in Europe (Report describes emerging sexually transmitted fungal infection | CIDRAP) (Report describes emerging sexually transmitted fungal infection | CIDRAP)
9. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. 2024 – Symptoms and causes of sexually transmitted fungal infection (ringworm) (Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections: Causes & Treatments) (Sexually Transmitted Fungal Infections: Causes & Treatments)
10. CDC – Candida auris Q&A and tracking (2023) – Transmission via contact and surfaces; global spread in healthcare (Candida auris (C. auris): Everything You Need to Know) (Get the Facts About Candida auris (C. auris))