Drug-Resistant Fungal STD Spreads Globally as Cases Surge in the US

A drug-resistant fungal infection known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) is spreading rapidly across the globe. The sexually transmitted disease, which causes painful skin lesions, has now reached multiple countries, including a growing outbreak in the United States. Health authorities are warning the public about transmission risks and treatment challenges.

TMVII first emerged in India around 2018 before spreading worldwide. Cases have since been confirmed in Europe (France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Netherlands, Italy), Asia (India, China, Japan), the Middle East (UAE), South America (Brazil, Argentina), Australia, and Canada. The US has also seen rising numbers, with the first diagnosed case in New York in June 2025. By February 2025, Minnesota reported over 30 infections, prompting a state health warning.

The infection spreads through skin-to-skin contact, primarily affecting men who have sex with men. It causes itchy, painful lesions in the genital, perianal, and abdominal areas. Travellers who visited Thailand and engaged in sexual contact with sex workers have also contracted TMVII, with additional cases linked to China and Europe.

One of the biggest concerns is the fungus's resistance to standard treatments like terbinafine. Therapy can take up to 12 weeks, making it difficult to control. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now classifies TMVII as an emerging fungal threat.

To prevent further spread, health officials advise infected individuals to avoid sexual contact and not share personal items or clothing. Washing and drying clothes at high temperatures is also recommended to kill the spores.

TMVII continues to spread, with recent cases reported in France, Germany, the UK, India, and Brazil. The CDC and local health agencies are monitoring the situation closely. Public health measures focus on containment, hygiene, and awareness to limit transmission.