Prevalence Of Dermatophyte Infections Research Articles

Epidemiology of Dermatophytes Among Primary School Children in Calabar, Nigeria

Background & Aims: Children are more susceptible to dermatophytes due to different predisposing factors, such as under developed immune system and high sensitivity of their skin to infection. This study investigated the epidemiology of dermatophyte infection among primary school children in Calabar municipality, Nigeria. Methods: Students attending two primary schools, DPS and PCNPS in Calabar Municipality, were clinically screened. Samples were collected from children with physical signs of dermatophytes on skin, scalp, and nails, and who were present on the day of sample collection. Affected areas were scraped and swabbed. Cultures were done on SDA, and Lactophenol cotton blue was used to prepare isolates for microscopy. Results: A total of 779 children aged 4-17 years were screened. 202(25.9%) were mycologically positive by culture. The occurrence of dermatophyte infection was significantly higher in young children aged 4-6 years than in older children. Male children were more frequently infected (17.6%) than females (8.3%). Trichophyton spp. was the most prevalent etiological agent (35.6%), followed by Microsporum spp. (31.7%), and Epidemophyton spp. (19.3%). Plates with mixed colonies constituted 13.4% of the entire culture. Dermatophytes were mostly isolated from the scalp (63.9%), followed by Skin (32.2%), and Nails (4%). The prevalence of dermatophyte infection among the two schools’ children was 32.0% and 21.9% in DPS and PCNPS, respectively. Conclusion: Dermatophyte infection is still prevalent among primary school children. Regular screening and use of educational health awareness of dermatophyte infection are recommended.

Prevalence of Dermatophyteic Infection in A Tertiary Care Hospital in Chennai in India

Dermatophytes are fungi that infect keratinized tissues in animals and humans. The group's most prevalent and only anthropophilic species is Trichophyton rubrum, whereas species from the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex are zoophilic and anthropophilic. The prevalence of dermatophyte infections varies depending on environmental factors and location, with higher rates observed in tropical countries like India. Hence, this study was conducted to comprehend the distribution of various species and clinical symptoms to assess the prevalence and features of dermatophyte infections in patients receiving tertiary care. This study's main objective was to identify the frequency of dermatophyte species in clinical samples taken from suspected patients in a tertiary care centre.1000 patients attending Sree Balaji Medical College in Chennai were the subjects of cross-sectional observational research. The prevalence of dermatophyte infection was assessed using clinical sample data. The analysis included information on gender, age group, and clinical symptoms. In the examined samples, dermatophyte infection was shown to be clinically prevalent (14.2%). More men (64.7%) than women (35.2%) were impacted. The most common age group for dermatophyteic infection was those between 31 and 40 years. The most typical clinical presentation was tinea corporis, characterized by scaly, red areas on the skin. The most frequent dermatophyte species found was Trichophyton rubrum. The study revealed that the clinical samples taken from the tertiary care centre had a significant prevalence of dermatophyteic infection. These infections were more likely to affect men and those in the age range of 31 to 40 years. The most commonly noticed clinical sign was tinea corporis, caused by Trichophyton rubrum. These findings emphasize the need to detect and treat dermatophyteic infections, particularly tinea corporis, highlighting the need for suitable treatment techniques in the population under study.

Prevalence of Dermatophytic Infections and Their Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern in the Rajshahi Region

Background: Dermatophytes are the most significant fungi because of their widespread involvement in the population and their prevalence worldwide. Bangladesh's hot and humid climate, overcrowded population, poverty, malnutrition, and ignorance make dermatophytosis a common cutaneous infection. These infections occur in both healthy and immunocompromised patients. Dermatophytes are responsible for most cutaneous fungal infections, and the estimated lifetime risk of acquiring a dermatophyte infection is 10-20%.
 Objective: To isolate and identify different dermatophytes and their antifungal susceptibility pattern in the Rajshahi region. Materials and Methods: Different clinical samples (e.g., skin scrapings, nail clipping, and hair plucking) were collected under aseptic precautions. The isolation and identification of dermatophytes were performed through a microscopic examination using 10% KOH mount, mycological culture, and species identification by lactophenol cotton blue mount from positive culture. In addition, all dermatophytes isolates were subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing using the agar-based disk diffusion method in Mueller Hinton agar media.
 Results: Out of 171 samples, Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant dermatophyte species with 76(71.7%), followed by T.mentagrophyte were 15(14.2%), E. floccosum were 12(11.3%), and M. canis were 03(2.8%). voriconazole, clotrimazole, and itraconazole were more effective drugs. Griseofulvin was the least effective drug, followed by fluconazole.
 Conclusion: This study indicates dermatophytosis is a common skin disease in northern Bangladesh. Due to the increasing trend of antifungal drug resistance among dermatophytes, treatment should be based on antifungal sensitivity testing.
 TAJ 2022; 36: No-1: 119-125

Epidemiology of Dermatophytes Isolated from Clinical Samples in a Hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia: A 20-Year Survey

BackgroundDermatophytes are group of fungi that cause superficial infections via enzymes that degrade keratin in human skin. Several factors, including climate, gender, age, lifestyle, human migration, cultural habits, and socioeconomic status influence the prevalence of dermatophyte infections. We analyzed the prevalence of dermatophyte isolates in a hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia from 2000 to 2019.MethodsThe data on fungal cultures were obtained from the Laboratory Information System of the Mycology Laboratories at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, and were used for the analysis. Fungal isolates were examined microscopically for the presence of specialized hyphal structures and conidia. The Vitek® MS microbial identification system (biomerieux) was used if the culture type was not identified microscopically.ResultsAmong the 10,021 samples analyzed, 3040 (30.33%) were positive for fungi and only 398 (3.97%) were dermatophytes. Microsporum species was the most common dermatophyte accounting for 50.5% (n = 201) followed by trichophyton with 36.9% (n = 147). The most common positive samples were scrapping (251, 63%) and hair (68, 17%). Culture positivity relative to the age groups revealed a cluster of positive dermatophyte species in children < 10 years of age with 215 (54%) of all cases and among 10–19 years of age with 60 (15) of the cases (p < 0.001). Microsporum species were the prevalent dermatophytes in patients < 10 years of age, while Epidermophyton species were the most frequent dermatophyte species in age groups 10–19, 20–29, and 30–39 years. However, Trichophyton species were the most frequent dermatophyte species in individuals 70–79 years. The percentage of Microsporum and Trichophyton species decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant seasonal variation in relation to Trichophyton species. A comparison between the most frequent species showed that there was no difference in relation to gender, but there was a difference in relation to the specimen type and age group.ConclusionDermatophytosis was common among children and adolescent with the most common samples were scrapping and hair. There was a significant reduction in Microsporum and Trichophyton species over time.

Application of genotyping methods in the investigation of sources of dermatophytosis associated with vaccination in cattle

AbstractVaccines against trichophytosis introduced over 60 years ago contributed to a significant reduction in the prevalence of dermatophyte infections on cattle farms. Currently, vaccination is not obligatory but commonly used and recommended by veterinarians, which is associated with the renaissance of dermatophyte infections in farm animals. Importantly, vaccine administration may cause clinical lesions imitating a virulent form of dermatophytosis. Correct determination of a possible correlation of superficial changes with the vaccine strain plays a key role in taking therapeutic measures. In this study, the usefulness of genotyping methods (melting‐point‐PCR and amplified fragment length polymorphism) in identification of the source of dermatophyte infection in cases correlated with vaccine administration is examined. The results revealed that dermatophytes isolated from skin lesions in calves temporarily associated with vaccine administration had an identical electrophoretic profile with the vaccine strain and differed from the reference strain of Trichophyton verrucosum CBS365.53. In conclusion, genotyping methods are a useful tool for rapid and reliable identification of the vaccine source of superficial lesions in calves. Their high resolution, speed of execution and low costs are undoubted advantages in the implementation for routine use in similar cases of dermatophyte infections.

Prevalence of Dermatophyte Infections in a Tertiary Care Medical College in Eastern India

Prevalence of Dermatophyte Infections in a Tertiary Care Medical College in Eastern India

Major challenges and perspectives in the diagnostics and treatment of dermatophyte infections.

Dermatophytes are the aetiological factors of a majority of superficial fungal infections. What distinguishes them from other pathogenic filamentous fungi is their unique ability to degrade keratin. The remarkable ability of this group of fungi to survive in different ecosystems results from their morphological and ecological diversity as well as high adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Paradoxically, despite the progress in medicine, the prevalence of dermatophyte infections is increasing from year to year. At the beginning of the third millennium, practical diagnostic and therapeutic options are still very limited. This review focuses on understanding the major problems in this aspect of dermatophyte infections and indicates future strategies and perspectives for novel approaches to identification and drugs for elimination of dermatophytes. Particular importance is placed on development of a strategy for a diagnostic pathway and implementation of rapid and reliable diagnostics methods designed by international teams. Furthermore, among compounds that currently arouse great interest, representatives of terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and essential oils deserve attention. Many of these compounds are undergoing clinical trials as potential antifungal agents, and future research should focus on attempts at determination of the applicability of tested substances. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages in implementation of new diagnostic paths and medicinal substances for routine use are indicated.

Effectiveness of modified Whitfield’s ointment with oral griseofulvin in the treatment of dermatophytosis poorly responsive to standard antifungal therapy: a randomized, double blind, within patient placebo control

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection found in hot and humid areas particularly in tropical regions and affects the keratinized regions of the body. It is usually treated with a combination of topical and systemic antifungal therapy as well as improved hygienic measures. Over the last few decades there has been an increase in the prevalence of dermatophyte infections which are poorly responding to standard antifungal therapy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Modified Whitfield’s ointment is a combination of 5%-5% Salicylic acid and Benzoic acid with an emulsifying ointment as a vehicle which has both a fungistatic and a keratolytic action. Oral Griseofulvin is a systemic antifungal agent which is a fungistatic agent. The combination of the above agents is synergistic. A randomized double blind, within-patient-placebo-controlled trial was designed for the treatment of dermatophytosis poorly responsive to standard antifungal therapy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;This may shed light on the treatment of dermatophytosis poorly responsive to standard antifungal therapy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Trial Registration:&lt;/strong&gt; This trial is registered with WHO trial registry number (Universal trial number): U111-1235-8791.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Prevalence and Predictors of Dermatophyte Infections Among Primary School Children in Ilemela, Mwanza, Tanzania

Background: Dermatophytes are highly contagious organisms of public health importance, particularly among primary school children in the resource-limited settings with a prevalence of 10% to 20% in East Africa. Here, we report the prevalence and associated factors of dermatophyte infections among primary school children in Ilemela, Mwanza - Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 323 children aged between 4 and 10 years from 10 randomly selected primary schools. The study was conducted between July 2017 and September 2017. Pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant social-demographic information followed by clinical examination to establish the diagnosis of dermatophyte infections. Data were analysed using Stata version 13. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 7.63±1.27 years, with the slightl majority (n=183, 56.7%) of participants being girls. The majority (n=277, 70.3%) of the study participants were from public schools. A total of 299 (92.6%) children reported using tap water at home. Using clinical diagnosis, 94 (29.1%) children had dermatophyte infections with 92 (97.9%) of them having tinea capitis. By multivariate logistic regression analysis: being a boy (odds ratio [OR] 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 3.22; P=.01); using lake, river, or well water (OR 3.18; 95% CI, 1.36 to 7.38; P<.01); playing in a dusty environment (OR 2.65; 95% CI, 1.28 to 5.47; P<.01); playing with animals (OR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.56; P<.003); and having family members with dermatophyte infections (OR 10.56; 95% CI, 4.57 to 24.41; P<.001) predicted dermatophyte infections. Conclusion: The prevalence of dermatophyte infection is high in the study population and is associated with poor hygiene. Improved hygiene will reduce the prevalence of dermatophyte infections among primary school children in low-income countries. Further studies to identify the species and susceptibility patterns of these dermatophytes are recommended to establish empirical treatment guidelines.

Prevalence of dermatophytic fungal infections at Al-Kindi Hospital in Baghdad

Background: Dermatophytes are types of fungal infections affect skin, nails and hairs. These infections are predominant in moist and warm climate by which the growth of these organisms are sustained.Aim: find out the prevalence of dermatophytic infection among patients attending dermatological outpatient clinic at Al-Kindi Hospital in Baghdad.Result: Tinea .pedis was the most predominant clinical presentation reported in 31% of the sample.

Activity of Some Natural Oils on Dermatophytes Isolated from Assuit University Hospitals

Background: Dermatophytosis constitutes a major public health problem in different countries. The most common factors affecting the distribution and transmission of dermatophyte infections are climatic conditions, general hygiene, and animal contact. In Egypt, the prevalence of dermatophytosis has not been well clarified. Several antifungal agents are available to manage these infections but drug resistance, severe side effects and its very poor penetration can result in treatment failure. Objectives: This study aimed to detect the prevalence of dermatophyte infections in Assuit University Hospital and to screen for anti-dermatophytic activity of some plant essential oils to discover their medicinal potential for future applications as antifungal agents. Methodology: Samples were collected from 50 patients attending dermatology clinic at Assuit University Hospital and clinically diagnosed as tinea infections. Isolation and laboratory identification of dermatophytes were performed by direct microscopic examination, Sabouraud , s dextrose agar and rice grains medium culture. Extracellular enzymatic activities (urease, lipase and protease) were tested. Some natural oils (dill seed, garlic, ginger, nigella seed, olive, peppermint and riccinus) were screened for their anti-dermatophytic activities by disc diffusion methods. Result: Dermatophytosis was diagnosed in 40 (80%) of all patients examined, the prevalence of dermatophytosis in male (57.5%) was higher than in female (42.5%), the most common dermatophyte infection diagnosed was tinea capitis (65%), followed by tinea pedis (17.5%). Four species belonging to two genera were identified, 20 (50%) T. violaceum, 14 (35%) M. canis, 3 (7.5%) T. mentagrophytes and 3 (7.5%) T. rubrum. All tested oils have dermatophytic activities except dill and olive oils. Nigella oil was the most active against growth of T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. Ginger oil was the most active against T. violaceum and M. canis. Garlic and ginger oils had active effect against T. rubrum . Conclusion: Nigella, ginger and garlic oils had proved a promising effectiveness against dermatophytes and can be used in the development of new anti-dermatophytic preparations.

Prevalence of Dermatophytic Infections among Students of Nigerian Higher Institution Using Occlusive Leather Footwear

Prevalence of Dermatophytic Infections among Students of Nigerian Higher Institution Using Occlusive Leather Footwear

Studies on invasive keratinophilic Dermatophytes of human hair

Background: Tinea Capitis (TC) is a dermatophyte infection of the scalp hair follicles and intervening skin. TC is mainly caused by anthropohilic and zoophilic species of the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum . On the basis of the type of hair invasion, dermatophytes are also classified as endothrix, ectothrix or favus. Despite the availability of effective antifungal agents, dermatophytic infections continue to be one of the principal dermatological diseases in Mysore. Objectives: To study the genus and species variants, of fungus causing Tinea Capitis infection and epidemiological factors responsible for the disease in Central Mysore. Materials and methods: Clinically suspected 527 patients with dermatophytes infection cases were included in our study, where 58 cases were diagnosed and confirmed as a Tinea Capitis patients only selected for our study. Suspected lesion like scalp skin scraping and hair plucking samples were collected after disinfecting the site with 70% of ethyl alcohol. Samples were collected in a sterile thick black envelope, folded, labelled and brought to the laboratory for further processing according to slandered Mycological protocol. Results: A total of 527 patients with dermatophytes infection suspected cases were included in our study, where 58 cases (11.0%) were confirmed as a Tinea Capitis. Majority of the dermatophytic infections were seen between April to October i.e. 51, 63, 52, 30, 51, 60 and 57 respectively, so this signified that hot and humid climate favour for dermatophytic infection. There was 33 cases of endothrix infection and only 12 cases of ectothrix infection and 13 cases were not ascertained but P value is significant (P< 0.001) Among all dermatophytes Tinea Capitis was mainly caused by only one genus i.e. T. tonsurans 29/58 (34.4%), T. violaceum 8/58 (31.0%), T. verrucosum 4/58 (6.8%) and T. mentagrophytes 8/58 (13.7%) were isolated. Conclusion: The prevalence of dermatophyte infections among children was (11.0%), which is most common among the other clinical type of infection. Poverty, lower socioeconomic status, unhygienic condition, hot humid climate and young age group child is the major factors which intensify the dermatophyte infection as a cause of Tinea Capitis. There for continuous isolation identification and conformation of dermatophyte is essential to treat with antifungal drugs for their complete cure. Key words: Tinea Capitis, dermatophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans .

The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

It is not known whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased susceptibility to dermatophytes. In this study, we determined the prevalence of cutaneous fungal infection in a cohort of HIV-infected patients and HIV-negative controls, and examined the factors associated with an increased risk of infection. Using a multiple regression analysis, we found that the strongest independent predictor of cutaneous fungal infection in both groups was a self-reported history of homosexual sex. There was no relationship between HIV infection or reduced CD4 count and the prevalence of dermatophyte infection. HIV infection is not independently associated with an increased risk of cutaneous fungal disease.

Prevalence of dermatophytosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The prevalence of dermatophytic infections in rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of dermatophytosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and the relationship between sulfasalazine, low-dose methotrexate and steroid therapy. We examined 53 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis for evidence of dermatophytosis and compared them 55 with age- and sex-matched, nonimmunocompromised controls recruited from the low back pain population. Nail scrapings were obtained from the subjects, and the clinical diagnosis of dermatophytosis was confirmed with a potassium hydroxide preparation. In 32% of the rheumatoid arthritis population we found dermatophytosis, compared with 16% of the control group, although statistical significant was only borderline. Tinea pedis was the most frequent type of dermatophytosis in both groups. The prevalence of dermatophytosis in patients receiving sulfasalazine, low-dose methotrexate, and steroid therapy was not found to be significantly increased. This study shows a slightly higher prevalence of dermatophytosis in rheumatoid arthritis population than in controls. Sulfasalazine, low-dose methotrexate, and steroid therapy had no effect on the prevalence of dermatophytic infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in well-controlled diabetics and the response toTrichophytonantigen

The prevalence of dermatophyte infection was assessed in 100 patients with well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes, and in a control group of 100 non-diabetics matched for age, sex, occupation and sporting activity. Immediate and delayed responses to intradermal testing with Trichophyton antigen were recorded in both groups. The overall infection rate (skin and nails) was 19% in diabetics and 17% in controls. There was a higher infection rate in the skin of diabetics (17%) than in controls (8%), but this was not significant. Nail infection was seen in 12% of diabetics and in 11% of controls. Intradermal testing with Trichophyton antigen gave a higher proportion of both immediate and delayed positive results in diabetics. However, more control patients showed only an immediate positive response or only a delayed one. There was no evidence of an increased infection rate in those with immediate positive responses or of diminished infection rates in those with delayed positive responses, and no correlation with oral Candida infection. These findings applied equally to diabetics and controls.

The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in well-controlled diabetics and the response to Trichophyton antigen

The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in well-controlled diabetics and the response to Trichophyton antigen

Terbinafine for the treatment of pedal onychomycosis. A foot closer to the promised land of cured nails?

Onychomycosis of the nails includes fungal infection caused by primary nail pathogens that invade the healthy nail plate and secondary invasion in nails with preexisting disease.¹Onychomycosis may be due to secondary infection from tinea pedis and is the most common nail disease, accounting for roughly 30% of all cutaneous fungal infections.²In a survey of 9332 British adults, 16 years of age and older, the prevalence of dermatophyte infection was 2.6% to 2.8%.³In subjects 55 years of age or older, the prevalence was 4.7%. In the United States, a similar prevalence has been reported.⁴Onychomycosis can have a significant psychological effect on the subject.⁵In a North American study, the relative composition of isolates from nails was dermatophytes (91%), yeasts (5%), and molds (4%).⁶Candida is isolated predominantly from fingernails.⁷Uncommonly, there are mixed infections. In other parts of the world,

Terbinafine for the Treatment of Pedal Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis of the nails includes fungal infection caused by primary nail pathogens that invade the healthy nail plate and secondary invasion in nails with preexisting disease. Onychomycosis may be due to secondary infection from tinea pedis and is the most common nail disease, accounting for roughly 30% of all cutaneous fungal infections. In a survey of 9332 British adults, 16 years of age and older, the prevalence of dermatophyte infection was 2.6% to 2.8%. In subjects 55 years of age or older, the prevalence was 4.7%. In the United States, a similar prevalence has been reported. Onychomycosis can have a significant psychological effect on the subject. In a North American study, the relative composition of isolates from nails was dermatophytes (91%), yeasts (5%), and molds (4%). Candida is isolated predominantly from fingernails. Uncommonly, there are mixed infections. In other parts of the world, the frequency of these agents may vary.

The prevalence of dermatophyte infections in hereditary palmo-plantar keratoderma

The prevalence of dermatophyte infections in hereditary palmo-plantar keratoderma of the Unna Thost variety was investigated. Sixty patients, who represented 7.5% of a well defined population, participated in the study. The prevalence was found to be about 40%. At the same time the correlation between direct microscopic examination and conventional culture methods was shown to be 88.5%.