Onychomycosis Diagnosed in the Department of Parasitologyandndash;Mycology at the University Hospital Center (UHC) of Batnaandndash;Algeria: 10 Years Assessment

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical aspects and to specify the fungal agents most frequently isolated in patients with onychomycosis consulting at the parasitology–mycology department at the university hospital center of Batna-Algeria. Methods: This is a retrospective and descriptive study conducted from January 1, 2010 to december 31, 2020, including patients in whom the diagnosis of onychomycosis had been asked. Socio-demographic, clinical, Biological data of patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were collected and analyzed. Results: 343 patients were included in this study. Their average age was 41, 54 years, they were mainly made up of men (55.10%). The main contributing factor found was heat and humidity (90.96%). Involvement exclusively of the toenails was predominant (72.30%). In 23 cases (6.71%), there was simultaneous involvement of the fingers and toes. The most common clinical appearance was distolateral subungual onychomycosis (41.04%). Dermatophytes (86.88%) were the most common pathogens, followed by yeasts (13.29%). Trichophyton rubrum (80.17%) were the majority species. Conclusion: Onychomycosis remains a neglected condition, dermatophytes remain the main fungal agents involved. The importance of mycological confirmation of onychomycosis in any patient with onychopathy, which allows treatment to be adapted and to avoid costly and ineffective lengthy treatment.