Dermatophytosis in Karaj, Iran

Abstract

<b>Background: </b> Dermatophytosis is an infection of skin, hair and nails of the human and animals which is caused by a large group of the fungi named dermatophytes. <b> Purpose:</b> The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and causative agents of dermatophytosis in Karaj city. <b> Materials and Methods:</b> During five years, a total of 3475 patients clinically suspected to dermatomycoses referred to Ebnesina Diagnostic Medical Laboratory in Karaj city entered our study and samples were taken from the infected area of the skin and appendages. <b> Results: </b> 887 cases of dermatophytosis (806 culture proved) were diagnosed among the suspected cases. The species of dermatophytes were identified as <i> Epidermophyton floccosum</i> 311 (38.6%), <i> Trichophyton mentagrophytes</i> 197 (24.5%), <i> Trichophyton verrucosum</i> 125 (15.5%), <i> Trichophyton rubrum</i> 48 (5.9%), <i> Trichophyton violaceum</i> 34 (4.2%), <i> Microsporum canis</i> 29 (3.6%), <i> Microsporum gypseum</i> 26 (3.2%), <i> Trichophyton tonsurans</i> 20 (2.5%), <i> Trichophyton schoenleinii</i> 3 (0.4%) and unknown dermatophytes 13 (1.6%). <i> Epidermophyton floccosum</i> and tinea cruris were the most common etiological agents and clinical types of dermatophytosis, respectively. <b> Conclusion:</b> Dermatophyte species could transmit to human by direct or indirect contact with infected human and animals and their subjects. Promotion of public health care and self-hygiene may play an important role to control this disease.