Study of Dermatophytosis in Tumkur, Karnataka

Dermatophytosis is one of the major skin diseases prevalent all over the world and more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries including India. Dermatophytoses are caused by a group of keratinophilic fungi called dermatophytes which belongs to three major genera namely Trichophyton, Microsporon and Epidermophyton. The present study is undertaken to know pattern of dermatophytoses in this region.

Skin, nail and hair samples were collected from 110 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytoses and subjected to direct microscopy by KOH (Potassium hydroxide) mount and culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte test medium. The isolated dermatophytes were identified. A detailed history was recorded including age, sex, occupation, duration and site of infection and treatment.

Dermatophytoses was more common in the age group of 21- 30yrs and the male to female ratio was found to be 2.1:1. The predominant clinical type was Tenia corporis followed by tinea cruris. Multiple site involvement in same patient was found in 6 cases. The commonest dermatophyte isolated was Trichophyton rubrum in 20 cases followed by Trichophyton mentagrophyte in 10 cases, Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum gypseum in 2 cases each and Epidermophyton floccosum in one case.

Dermatophytoses was found to be more common in 21-30yrs of age group with male predominance. The common dermatophyte isolated in this region is Trichophyton rubrum.