Epidemiology of Superficial Fungal Infections in Hospital Settings in Togo and Senegal from 2019 to 2020

Abstract

Background: Superficial fungal diseases are cosmopolitan affections caused by yeast and filamentous microscopic fungi (dermatophytes and moulds). Their very high prevalence and worldwide distribution make them one of the most common dermatological diseases. Our study aims to describe the profile of superficial fungal diseases diagnosed in Senegal and Togo and to identify the causative agents circulating in both countries. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study carried out in Senegal and Togo, involving 602 and 135 patients respectively. The patients presenting clinical signs were screened in the Parasitology-Mycology laboratories of the Fann University Hospital in Dakar (from February 2019 to February 2020) and Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé (from October 2019 to March 2020). Samples collected were examined using routine mycological techniques (Direct examination and culture). Results: In Senegal 293 (48.67%) out of 602 patients enrolled were diagnosed with superficial fungal diseases. Patients under 10 old years and female, most affected, represented 23.42% and 61.39% of cases respectively. The patients were seen mostly in September with 27 positives cases out of 42. Trichophyton soudanense and Candida albicans complex were the most common species, with a prevalence rate of 30.37% and 26.96% respectively. In Togo, 67.41% (91) of the 135 patients presented superficial mycosis. The female (58.76%) and the patients aged 31-40 year old (21.65%) were the most affected. Highest prevalence is recorded in October with 11 positive cases out of 13. Malassezia furfur was the most common species with a prevalence of 28.57%. The same species of fungi were found in both countries with the exception of three fungi Trichophyton violaceum, Aspergillus candidus (respectively 3 cases and 1 case in Senegal) and Trichophyton tonsurans (3 cases in Togo). Conclusion: Superficial mycoses are a frequent reason for consultation in Senegal and Togo. Dermatophytes and yeasts of the genus Candida and Malassezia are the most common agents involved. The use of innovative diagnostic techniques could allow a more precise identification of species for a better therapeutic management.