A clinical and mycological study of superficial mycosis

Abstract

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Superficial mycosis is among the most frequent forms of human infection affecting more than 20-25% of world’s population. Current study aims at assessing the clinical profile of dermatophytic infection and to identify the fungal species responsible. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective study conducted on 100 patients with clinically suspected dermatophytosis presenting to Skin OPD in a tertiary hospital in north Karnataka. A detailed clinical history, general physical examination and systemic examination routine lab investigations were done. Sample collection for mycological examinations was done for direct microscopy in 10% KOH (40% KOH for nail) and fungal culture an SDA with 0.5% chloramphenicol and 0.5% cyclohexidine was done in every case.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Male:female ratio was approximately 3:2. Maximum numbers of cases were in the age groups of 16-30 years (46 cases). 46% patients had multiple site involvement followed by tinea corporis in 20 (20%), tinea cruris in 18 (18%), tinea unguium (8%), tinea manuum (3%), tinea pedis (3%), tinea barbae (1%), and tinea faciei (1%). Potassium hydroxide examination was positive for fungal elements in 88(88%) patients and 35(35%). The most common species identified were. <em>Trichophyton rubrum</em> in 60% samples, followed by <em>Trichophyton mentagrophytes </em>in 20%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Present clinical and mycological study showed tinea corporis as the most common clinical pattern followed by tinea cruris and <em>T. rubrum</em> as the most common causative agent.</p>