Rise of superficial mycoses: A clinicoepidemiological study among the patients attending tertiary health care centre in north India

Abstract

Introduction: Superficial mycoses refer to the disease of skin, hair and nail caused by fungi, are a serious problem due to deficient sanitation and education. This group includes dermatophytoses, non dermatophytic molds and Candida spp. Microscopic detection of fungal elements using wet mount preparation of 10% and 40% potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a rapid and precise tool for laboratory diagnosis. Objectives: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of wet preparation direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide for early detection of fungal elements from various clinical specimens and thereby helping the clinicians in initiating the appropriate antifungal treatments. Materials and Methods: All clinical specimen like skin and nail scrapping from patients suspected of superficial mycoses were subjected to KOH examination for screening and detection and positive samples were cultured on SDA (Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar) medium for identification. Results: A total of 5734 samples of clinically suspected patients of superficial mycoses attended the tertiary care teaching hospital between September 2013 and August 2017 were included. 3165 patients (55%) were found to be positive by KOH examination. In the present study the most common clinical type was tinea cruris (74.3%) followed by tinea corporis (22.6%) in the patients attending tertiary health care centre. Conclusion: Clinical finding and wet mount with KOH can be believed upon as the single most important rapid and sensitive tool for early diagnosis of superficial mycoses. Since there is a high incidence of superficial mycoses in rural people coming to the tertiary heath care facilities therefore preventive and early screening measures are need of hours. Keywords: Potassium hydroxide preparation, Superficial mycoses, Tinea spp.