To explore carrier and infection status of T.tonsurans tinea capitis and characterize the host-pathogen interaction as it relates to the disease presentation. The general hypothesis for this study is as follows: the type of genotypic and phenotypic variant to which a child is exposed accounts for the presentation status observed in Trichophyton tonsurans infection.The global outcome of this investigation is to reveal potential new drug targets designed to improve treatment outcomes in these children.

Tinea capitis is an overwhelmingly prevalent disease of childhood estimated to be present in approximately 1 in 20 children at any point in time with an equal number of children serving as carriers of the fungal pathogen. Despite the widespread nature of the disease, the natural course of the infection remains incompletely described. The study will be driven by the following hypothesis: the type of genotypic and phenotypic variant to which a child is exposed accounts for the presentation status observed in Trichophyton tonsurans infection.

A fungal scalp culture will be acquired from all participants using a brush culture technique. Samples will be collected once a month over a two year time period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preschool aged children will be eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None

preschool aged children