Evaluating the role of nondermatophyte fungi as a causative agent of tinea pedis and its relation to diabetes

Abstract

Background Nondermatophyte fungi are highly suspected as a pathogen in tinea pedis cases with culture negative results for dermatophytes. The study of antifungal susceptibility restricts the resistance and provides the efficacy of an antifungal drug, especially in diabetic patients. Aim To evaluate the presence of nondermatophyte fungi (yeast and mold) as a causative agent in tinea pedis, in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients, with reference to antifungal sensitivity test through the available antifungal drugs. Patients and methods A total of 60 adult patients were enrolled in this study (30 diabetics and 30 nondiabetics) having tinea pedis. Skin scrapings from all patients were collected, and complete mycological diagnosis was done. Yeast and mold isolates were subjected to disc diffusion antifungal susceptibility testing using Mueller–Hinton agar. Results Yeasts were the most common isolates in 26 (43.3%) cases, followed by dermatophytes nine (15%), nondermatophyte mold eight (13.3%), and mixed infection two (3.3%). There was no statically significant relation between diabetes and causative organisms, with P value more than 0.05. Yeast and mold isolates showed high sensitivity against itraconazole followed by fluconazole. Conclusion Nondermatophyte fungi are becoming increasingly prevalent in tinea pedis. There is a nonsignificant relation between causative agent and diabetes, and the best choice of antifungal treatment of nondermatophyte fungi in our work is itraconazole.