“Clinicomycological study of Dermatomycosis in a tertiary care hospital”

Dermatophytosis refers to superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissues caused by dermatophytes. Dermatophytes colonize only the cornified layer of epidermis or suprafollicular portions of hair and do not penetrate into deeper anatomical sites. Although Dermatophytosis is not debilitating or life threatening, it can be persistent, troublesome and are often confused with other skin disorders. So, laboratory investigations are essential for correct diagnosis, management and to minimize cost.

To isolate & speciate the dermatophytes & to analyze clinico-mycological profile of Dermatophytosis.

Samples like skin scrapings, nail clippings, hair & hair stub were processed for 130 clinically suscespected Dermatophytosis case. All the samples were subjected for KOH mount & culture on to SDA.

Majority of the patients were male 76(58.46%) compared to female 54(41.53%). Most commonly affected age group 20–30 years. Tinea corporis was the predominant type comprising 66(50.76%), followed by tinea cruris 25(19.23%), tinea unguinum 18(13.84%) & tinea capitis 10(07.69%). Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant isolate comprising of 27(38.57%) cases followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes 16(22.85%), Microsporum audoni 15(21.42%), Microsporum gypsium 08(11.43%), Trichophyton violaceum 03(4.28%) and Epidermophyton fluccosum 01(1.43%).

Dermatophyte infections are very common in our country where hot and humid climate along with the poor hygienic conditions favor the growth of these fungi. There is varying difference in isolation of different species across the different parts of India. The predominant species was the Trichophyton rubrum followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum audoni.