Clino-mycological studies of dermatophytosis at tertiary care centre, west india.

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytoses refers to superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissues such as epidermis, hair and nails caused by dermatophytes. Worldwide incidence of dermatophytoses is increased and it continues to spread and persist. It has become significant health problem in tropical countries due to heat and humidity. The present study was undertaken to find out clinical patterns of dermatophytoses and species prevalent in this region. Materials and methods: The study included 525 clinically diagnosed dermatophytoses cases over a period from July 2011 to April 2014. All clinical samples were subjected to direct microscopy (potassium hydroxide-KOH) examination and culture isolation; causative agents were identified macroscopically and microscopically. Results: Out of 525 cases; T.corporis found in 307 cases(58.48%) the commonest clinical type followed by T.ungium 117 cases(22.28%) and T.cruris 51 cases (9.71%). 19 cases (3.62%) having both T.corporis and T.cruris. On examination 456 (86.86%) samples were KOH positive and 244 (46.48%) were culture positive. Among culture isolates T.rubrum is the commonest isolate (), followed by T.mentagrophytes(). Commonly affected age group was 20-50 years , with males preponderance(51.42%) . Conclusion: The study reveals that T.corporis is the commonest clinical type and Tricophyton rubrum is predominant etiological agent. Adults are affected more and showing male preponderance. These infections though trivial, have lot of psychological effect and require effective treatment which is very costly. Knowledge about epidemiological and myocological characteristics is an important tool for control of this infection.