In the last 3 years, healthcare professionals have discovered the emergence of a new form of STI within the U.S. Known as TMVII (Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII), this infection is very unique compared to other STIs that the world has been fighting against. This is because unlike others, which are caused by either bacteria or viruses, TMVII is caused by fungi.
This article provides a full explanation about TMVII infection, its symptoms, treatment, and how to inform your partner.
What is TMVII?
Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII or TM-seven) is a newly discovered and very contagious sexually transmitted fungi infection causing ringworm in the genitals, buttocks, and face. The disease was first detected in Europe in 2023 among a few men who had recently returned from Southeast Asia. In 2024, the first confirmed case of this infection was recorded in the United States. Since then, there has been an immense increase in the number of cases recorded in the U.S.
According to CDC, TMVII is mostly common in gay men. It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, such as sexual intercourse, as well as through the sharing of towels, bedding, clothing, razors, and sex toys.
TMVII Symptoms
Symptoms of TMVII may vary from person to person and could even be mistaken for another type of infection, such as eczema or psoriasis.
However, when you have itching and inflamed skin rashes that are more serious than usual ringworm, then that’s definitely a TMVII symptom. The rashes will most likely appear in the genital region, groin, buttocks, face, beard, and any part of the body that has hair.
Related articles:
How Do You Know If You Have an STD? A Symptom Checklist (And How to Tell Your Partner)
Found Out You Have Chlamydia Years Later? How to Tell Past Partners
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor is able to diagnose TMVII by taking some skin samples from the infected area. They try to culture fungi in the sample. It may take a couple of days to complete the diagnosis.
Patients who are diagnosed with the infection undergo treatment with oral antifungal drugs, such as terbinafine or itraconazole. TMVII treatment generally takes 6-8 weeks or even 12 weeks.
How to Tell Your Partner
If you’ve been diagnosed with TMVII, it’s important that you notify your recent sexual partners. Since the infection spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, it means they may have contracted it. Notifying them will allow them to watch for symptoms, seek medical care, and avoid unknowingly passing the infection to others.
The conversation can feel uncomfortable, especially since most people have never heard of TMVII. So, you have to keep it simple. Explain that it’s an emerging fungal infection that can spread during skin-to-skin contact and they should consider getting tested.
You may have the intention to tell them but are scared to, especially when you’re worried about how they will respond. The good thing is that you don’t have to make the conversation face-to-face or via phone call. You can tell them through NotifyPartners — a partner notification platform that lets you inform who you’ve had sex with that they may be exposed to an STI. It does not reveal your identity.
So, if you have an ex, a casual sexual partner, or anyone you’d rather not speak to directly, we recommend that you notify them anonymously.
Conclusion
TMVII is a new kind of fungal infection, and once you notice the symptoms, it’s critical that you seek medical attention to be sure. If you’re diagnosed with it, start treatment immediately. Also, notify your recent partners to get tested and treated (if positive). You can inform them anonymously through NotifyPartners if you can’t tell them directly.
FAQ
- Where does TMVII come from?
TMVII is a strain of Trichophyton mentagrophytes fungus that causes severe ringworm across the genitals, buttocks, and face. It was first discovered in Europe and Southeast Asia in 2023, before it began to spread across the U.S. in 2024.
- Does TMVII go away?
Yes. TMVII goes away, but it takes several weeks of usage of prescribed oral antifungals. Early diagnosis and completing the entire treatment help reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
- How is TMVII transmitted?
Like other STIs, TMVII is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, mostly sexual intercourse. It can also spread when you make use of contaminated objects like an infected person’s towel, beddings, clothes, razor, or sex toys.
- Is TMVII curable?
Yes, it is. TMVII can be cured with the use of prescribed oral anti-fungal medications. Unlike common ringworms, TMVII does not respond well to over-the-counter creams.
