A cross sectional study on the prevalence of dermatomycosis at a tertiary care centre In Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Abstract Background: Dermatomycosis is an infectious disease of the skin, hair, and nails, caused by various conditionally pathogenic fungi. Typical pathogens include Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton. These infections are common in humid climates, such as those found in India, and present a unique set of challenges and considerations. Currently, the number of patients with chronic dermatomycosis is increasing steadily. The present study was done to assess the prevalence and distribution of various causative fungal pathogens and their correlation with age, sex, and clinical presentation. Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the prevalence of dermatomycosis and to determine the etiological fungal pathogen causing the skin lesions. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, in 6 months (March 2023–September 2023), 59 skin scrapings were collected from the 59 clinically diagnosed dermatomycosis patients. All the standard measures were followed to isolate the fungal pathogens using KOH mount, culture methods, and appropriate tests as per the availability of resources. Results: In this study, it was observed that the age group 21–30 years was the more prevalent age group, common in men and Tinea corporis was the most common clinical presentation. Out of 59 specimens, 17 were direct microscopy positive, i.e. KOH revealed fungal elements or yeast cells and 36 were culture positive. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most prevalent isolate. Conclusion: Pune is a subtropical region characterized by hot summers, relatively mild winters, and a monsoon season. The humidity of the region contributes to the proliferation of the dermatophytes. Hence, this study provides us with a detailed observation of the prevalence of dermatomycosis and causative fungal etiology. In this study, we isolated the causative fungal pathogens in addition to dermatophytes; it gives us a wide range of causative fungi and their treatment modalities as differ with yeast and mold.