Abstract
Dermatophytes are fungi that invade and proliferate over structures containing keratin. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is a commonly performed investigation to detect the presence or absence of fungal elements. This study is an attempt to semi-quantify the KOH mount done for dermatophytosis and to validate the Hyphal Index (HI). HI is determined by the number of fungal elements present in the mount, in a method similar to the bacillary index in leprosy. This simple semi-quantification assessment is proposed as a prognostic tool in the management of dermatophytosis.
Highlights
Superficial dermatophytosis is a rampant menace and is considered the current epidemic in the Indian subcontinent due to the humid climatic conditions and over-the-counter topical steroid abuse [1]
The proposed Hyphal Index (HI) in keratin. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is akin to the bacillary index (BI) in slit skin smear (SSS) that is regularly carried out to supervise the trend of the patient with leprosy
KOH mounting of 78 patients (43.33%) was graded as HI 2+ as the presence of fungal hyphae was between HI 1+ and 3+
Summary
Superficial dermatophytosis is a rampant menace and is considered the current epidemic in the Indian subcontinent due to the humid climatic conditions and over-the-counter topical steroid abuse [1]. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is a standard, quick, cost-effective investigation used to confirm the presence or absence of fungal elements in routine practice. This study is an attempt to semi-quantify KOH mount by grading the number of fungal elements and determining the HI. KOH mount finding (per 100 fields) Absence of fungal hyphae Presence of up to 4 hyphae Number of hyphae present between Hyphal Index 1+ and 3+ Presence of multiple hyphae. If there were significant fungal elements, up to five fields were examined to confirm the high HI, which is akin to BI wherein the identification of globi is given a BI 6+. Considering the increased number of patients presenting with tinea corporis, 180 consenting participants were recruited during the study period.
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