Clinico-epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatophytosis have always been among the commonest infective dermatoses affecting nails, hairs and skin and is one of the common problems for which dermatology consultation is sought. The prevalence of dermatophytosis has been increasing since last decade because of environmental factors, irrational use of topic steroids and irregular systemic anti-fungal treatment. Aim: To determine clinical profile of dermatophytosis. Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy and Department of Microbiology, I.G.M.C, Shimla (H.P) between 1st July 2017 to 1st June 2018. All newly clinically suspected diagnosed patients of dermatophytosis above the age of 12 years. Results: A total of 315 clinically diagnosed patients with dermatophytosis were enrolled into the study. Majority of the patients were young adults aged 20-30 years (n=116) followed by aged between 50-60 years (n=72). The youngest and oldest age reported was 12 and 70 years, respectively. Majority of study group subjects were males i.e., 222 (70.47%) with male to female ratio 2.39:1. Approximately 81% patients had family history of the dermatophytosis. Approximately 13% patients had history of contacts with pets (dogs, cats and cattle). Diabetes mellitus (n=15) (53.5%) was the most common co-morbidity followed by psoriasis vulgaris (n=4) (14.2%). KOH positivity was reported in 48% (n=151) of the study subjects. Fungal culture was positive in 61% (n= 87) study subjects out of followed up patients (n=142). T. mentagrophytes was the most common dermatophyte isolated in 86.2% (n=75) of patients followed by T. rubrum in 12.6% (n=11) of the cases. Conclusion: Climatic conditions of Himachal Pradesh favour dermatophytosis in the population. Younger group of male population were having high prevalence.