Prevalence Of Superficial Fungal Infections Research Articles

Role of patient education & counseling while treating superficial fungal infection

The prevalence of superficial fungal infection has ascended in India over the past 6–7 years. Chronic, recurrent, relapse and steroid‑modified tinea (tinea incognito) with nonresponse to the conventional treatment regimens are being commonly reported. Poor adherence to general measures, and non-compliance to treatment are important factors affecting the spread of infection and clinical presentation. The management of superficial fungal infection depends on general measures and medical management. Treatment strategies involve the use of systemic antifungals and/or topical antifungal agents. Treatment guidelines must be followed appropriately. Regular patient counselling and patient education are the deciding parameters for successful treatment of superficial fungal infection. Patients should be well educated about personal hygiene, clothing, skin care, corticosteroid abuse, adherence to general measures and compliance with treatment to ensure a successful treatment outcome.

No evidence of resistance to itraconazole in a prospective real-world trial of dermatomycosis in India.

The prevalence of superficial fungal infections in India is believed to have increased substantially in the past decade. We evaluated the treatment outcomes and risk factors associated with clinical response to a treatment course of itraconazole for the management of dermatomycosis in India. In this real-world, prospective pilot study (August 2019 to March 2020), adult participants (18-60 years), diagnosed with T. cruris or T. corporis, received itraconazole 200 mg/day (any formulation) orally for 7 days, and were followed for an additional 7 days. The study was terminated early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of 40 enrolled participants (mean [SD] age, 35.5 [12.73] years; {62.5%}] male; 37 received itraconazole and 20 (50%) completed the study. The median (range) Clinical Evaluation Tool Signs and Symptoms total score at baseline was 5.5 (2-10). Clinical response of "healed" or "markedly improved" based on the Investigator Global Evaluation Tool at day 7 (primary objective) was 42.9% (12/28; 95% CI: 24.53%, 61.19%). Itraconazole minimum inhibitory concentration for identified microorganisms, T. mentagrophytes species complex (91.7%) and T. rubrum (8.3%), was within the susceptibility range (0.015-0.25 mcg/mL). At day 14, 8/13 (61.5%) participants achieved a mycological response, 2/13 participants (15.4%) had a mycological failure and 90% showed a clinical response. COVID-19 pandemic affected patient recruitment and follow-up, so the findings call for a careful interpretation. Nevertheless, this real-world study reconfirmed the clinical efficacy and microbial susceptibility to itraconazole for the fungi causing dermatophytosis in India. Trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03923010.

Prevalence of pityriasis versicolor fungal infection among different gender

The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of superficial fungal infections among the patients that were living in different circumstances in Diyala region, Iraq. From July 2018 to February 2019. There were (42) patients with ages (2-78) years were surveyed for pityriasis versicolor fungal infections by history and clinical examination. The results revealed that the prevalence rates of pityriasis versicolor infections were (19.3%) for both male and female. The proportion of fungal infection in rural area (33.3%) was more preponderant in comparison to urban areas (66.6%). Furthermore, the rate of percent infection by pityriasis versicolor (66.6%) were higher in male whereas in females were (33.3%). In addition, study demonstrated that incidence of pityriasis versicolor infection has been significantly associated with age, area and gender. This study suggested there has been an exigent need to concentration on hygiene values of peoples in addition to increment the economic condition of the society.

Superficial Fungal Infections among School Age Children: Does Prevalence and Pattern Differ between Commercial and Agrarian Communities?

Background: Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are common and have considerable negative impact on school children in tropics.
 Objectives: The study compared the prevalence and pattern of SFI among primary school pupils in an agrarian (Ukpor) and commercial (Nnewi) communities in Nnewi Area.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school pupils in Nnewi Area. Subjects were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.
 Results: Final analysis involved 773 and 789 pupils in the agrarian and commercial communities, respectively. Their mean age was 9.0 ±2.0 years and male: female ratio was 1:1. The agrarian community had a significantly higher proportion of children who were from low socio-economic class families, and had poorer hygiene practices (p=0.000). The overall prevalence of SFIs was 28.9%. Prevalence was significantly higher in the agrarian compared to commercial community (39.3% versus 18.6%; p = 0.000). Tinea capitis was the predominant form of SFIs accounting for 80.3% and 83.7% of SFIs cases in the agrarian and commercial communities, respectively. Black dot tinea capitis was the commonest variant of tinea capitis in both communities. Of the variants of tinea capitis, only the diffuse scale type differed in the rate of occurrence in the two communities (6.3% in agrarian versus 0.0% in commercial communities, p=0.023). The most prevalent organisms were T. tonsurans (37.9%), T. mentagrophytes (28.8%) and T. rubrum (18.7%) of which T. rubrum was significantly higher in the commercial community (27.6% versus 14.9%, p=0.036).
 Conclusion: The burden of SFI is high among primary school children in Nnewi area, especially among those in agrarian communities. More awareness should be created on the prevention, identification and treatment.

Fluconazole for common tinea infection: An updated review of evidence and treatment guidance

Dermatophytosis is the most common superficial fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails. Tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis are highly prevalent and frequently recur in India. Dermatologists and general physicians in India have been observing an increase in the prevalence of superficial fungal infections and find it clinically challenging to treat recalcitrant dermatophytosis due to new isolates, antifungal resistance, patient non-compliance, changing pathophysiology and symptoms. This review discusses the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety of different dosage regimens of weekly oral fluconazole.

MANAGEMENT OF DADRU (TINEA INFECTION) WITH HERBIMINIRALS: A CASE STUDY [An Ayurvedic management of Dadru (Tinea infection/Ringworm)

Tinea or ringworm is one of the most common skin disorders encountered in the clinical practice. It is a group name for a highly contagious Mycelia fungus. It is a commonest single fungus group of infections found in an unhygienic condition especially in tropical and subtropical countries, unless properly treated they become chronic. Prevalence of superficial fungal infection was 27.6 %, Dermatophytosis was 75.6 %. Tinea corporis is commonest (78%) clinical pattern of dermatomycosis 1. Dadru is commonly occurring skin diseases which have been included under Mahakushta by Acharya Sushruta 2. Dadru bears greater resemble with Tinea. There are various treatment modalities which can be applied, like shodhana, shaman, etc. A 29 year male patient gradually developed the classical symptoms of Dadru (Tinea corporis) over the Face abdomen and back, was treated with Arogyavardhini vati, Gandhak Rasayana & Gandhak Malahar for 1 month. Improvements were noted in the symptoms of itching, redness & vesicular patches. Patient was treated with Arogyavardhini vati & Gandhak rasayan vati (oral use), Gandhak Malahar was applied locally over the affected area for 1 month. Dadru, one of the Kushta is a common skin disease which resemble with Tinea. The present case study concludes that Ayurvedic medicines like Arogyavardhini vati ,Gandhak rasayan vati and Gandhak Malahar for local application with some dietary & lifestyle changes is highly effective in the management of Dadru.

Factors influencing epidemiology of dermatomycoses at Gdansk, Poland and Grodno, Belarus.

IntroductionAn increase in numbers of cutaneous fungal infections is being observed around the world. Dermatomycoses occur in every age group and can significantly decrease quality of life. Examining the prevalence and epidemiological trends of cutaneous fungal infections is necessary for developing new effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Many factors can influence the growth and patterns of global spread of the different species of fungi.AimTo investigate the differences between the prevalence of dermatophytes and cutaneous fungal infections observed at two mycological laboratories and their plausible causes.Material and methodsMycological examination was performed in 7324 patients in Gdansk, Poland and in 4729 patients in Grodno, Belarus who exhibited clinical signs and symptoms of cutaneous fungal infections. Direct preparations was made in 20% KOH with 40% DMSO. Additionally cultures were prepared on modified Sabouraud dextrose agar.ResultsDermatophytes were cultured in 642 (53.58%) cases in Gdansk. The most common species of dermatophytes were Trichophyton rubrum (306 cases), Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. granulosum (193 cases) and Microsporum canis (127 cases). Yeasts were isolated in 531 (44.40%) cases out of which Candida albicans was the most frequently identified in 323 cases. Similarly, dermatophytes were the most common in 1158 (68.72%) cases in Grodno. Candida were isolated in 527 (31.28%) cases. Analysing the localization of dermatomycoses onychomycosis was observed in majority of the infected patients in Gdansk. In Grodno the most common location of superficial cutaneous infection was tinea corporis In the Gdansk region dermatomycoses were observed in 688 female patients and in 508 male patients. In Grodno the prevalence is inverted with the majority of cases observed in 921 males and 764 females.ConclusionsThe prevalence of superficial fungal infections is higher in Grodno, Belarus when compared to Gdansk, Poland. Similarly, dermatophytes were most commonly observed in both Laboratories.

A Prospective Study On Prevalence of Superficial Fungal Infections In Dermatology Department In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital In Telangana State

A Prospective Study On Prevalence of Superficial Fungal Infections In Dermatology Department In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital In Telangana State

Epidemiological aspects of superficial fungal infections in Koranic schools in two localities of Senegal (Thies and Touba).

In developing countries, superficial fungal infections (SFI) are endemic and cause a therapeutic problem because of the duration and cost of treatment. Community living and promiscuity are key factors in the direct or indirect transmission and spread of these diseases. The objective was to study the epidemiological aspects of SFI, among koranic school children in two localities in Senegal. School koranic students were recruited in Thies and Touba. Diagnosis of fungal diseases was carried out using conventional techniques (microscopic examination and culture). Among 210 children, the overall prevalence of SFI was 25.71%, with 27.63% in Touba and 20.68% in Thiès. The clinical lesions were epidermophytosis (0.5%), intertrigo (0.9%), palmoplantar keratoderma (KPP) (0.9%), onychomycosis (7.7%) and tinea capitis (TC) (90%). The species responsible for the SFI were Trichophyton soudanense (85.18%), Microsporum audouinii langeronii (9.25%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.70%) and Chrysosporium keratinophilum (1.85%). The prevalence of infection was higher among boys (85.18%). Superficial fungal infections are prevalent in koranic school children and attention should be given to non-dermatophytic species that could be responsible for SFI.

Aetiology of superficial fungal infections of the foot in urban outpatients in mainland China: A multicentre, prospective case study.

In China, the prevalence of superficial fungal infections of the foot is high and recurrence is common. However, a prospective, large-scale and multicentre study on the aetiology of superficial fungal infections of the foot is still lacking. To study the epidemiology of aetiological agents of superficial fungal infections of the foot in urban outpatients in mainland China, as well as to understand the aetiology features of the pathogenic agent. The study was designed as a multicentre, prospective epidemiological survey. A total of 1704 subjects were enrolled from seven geographical areas in mainland China. For each subject, one mycological sample and one bacterial sample were collected. KOH wet mount examination and culture were performed at local laboratories. The bacterial results were only reported in those with positive mycology. Further morphological identification and, if necessary, molecular biological identification were conducted in a central laboratory. Of 1704 enrolled subjects, 1327 (77.9%) subjects had positive fungal culture results. The incidence of dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds was 90.1%, 8.1% and 1.1%, respectively. The most frequently isolated aetiological agent (fungus) was Trichophyton rubrum. Moccasin form was the most commonly reported clinical diagnosis of superficial fungal infections. The most frequently isolated bacterial genus in patients was Staphylococcus. This study prospectively investigated the clinical and mycological features of human dermatophytosis in mainland China. Trubrum was the most frequently isolated fungus, and moccasin form was the most commonly reported clinical diagnosis of superficial fungal infections.

Prevalence of Dermatophytes Fungal Infection among Different Gender

The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of superficial fungal infections among the patients that were living in different circumstances in Diyala region, Iraq. From July 2018 to February 2019. There were (218) patients with ages (2-78) years were surveyed for dermatophyte fungal infections by history and clinical examination. The results revealed that ( 71.2%) of the patients were infected with skin lesions followed by scalp lesions (16.5%) and nail lesions (14.6%). The prevalence rates of dermatophyte fungal infections were linked to the types of tinea infections, including tinea corporis (17.4%), tinea pedis (13.7%), tinea capitis (16.5%), tinea ungium (14.6%), tinea cruris (17.4%), tinea faciale (3.6%). The proportion of fungal infection in rural area(63.6%) was more preponderant in comparison to urban areas (39.8%). Furthermore, the rate of percent infection by tinea capitis (66.6%), tinea corporis (60.5%), tinea cruris (57.8%), were higher in male whereas the percentage of tinea ungium (87.5%) and tinea faciale (62.5%) infections were highest in female. In addition, study demonstrated that indices of tinea infection has been significantly associated with age. This study suggested there has been an exigent need to ameliorate the edification of hygiene values of peoples in addition to increment the economic condition of the society

Host- and pathogen-dependent susceptibility and predisposition to dermatophytosis.

Dermatophytes are a highly specialized group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic filamentous fungi causing a ringworm disease called dermatophytosis or superficial mycoses. Although dermatophyte infections do not threaten the host's life, they lower its quality in humans by causing discomfort related to cosmetic problems and through their epidemiological significance, whereas in farm animals they are responsible for economic losses and constitute a source of the spread of spores. Evidence from countless observational studies that have been conducted over the last 90 years indicates that dermatophytes infect humans of every age, race, gender and socioeconomic status with strikingly high rates, as well as both farmed and wild animals in various health conditions and with various epidemiological statuses. However, the prevalence of superficial fungal infections is highly variable, since it depends on several parameters associated with the infected individual and the dermatophyte, their mutual interactions, and epidemiological and geographical factors. The curious disparity in dermatophyte infection patterns has prompted many investigators to search for a link between the host, the host's predispositions and susceptibility to the disease, and the dermatophyte species and virulence. Thus, the question arises as to whether, in addition to the generally recognized factors predisposing hosts to diseases, there are some other predispositions to dermatophyte infections in a species-specific host. In this review, we describe recent findings about the mechanism of dermatophyte infections, focusing on the adaptation of the fungi to the host and conditions predisposing each side to the disease.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Superficial Fungal Infections on HIV/AIDS Patients Who Attends in Debretabor General Hospital ART Clinic, Debretabor, North West Ethiopia, 2015/16

Introduction: HIV/AIDS has been occurring in the world as the major pandemic disease that affects all parts of the world, but sub-Saharan Africa it is high in prevalence which reduces the effectiveness of the immune system and makes individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. This often leads the patients to a variety of opportunistic infections including fungal infections and the like. Superficial fungal infections are common in HIV patients that can have an atypical clinical severity and variability of presentation and may be extensive, recurrent, and difficult to treat. Objectives: This study aims to determine the magnitude and associated factors of superficial fungal infections on HIV/ AIDS patients who have follow up at ART clinic in Debretabore General Hospital. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study design was used via systematic random method with kth value of 3rd on 299 study population from December/2015-Feburaray/2016. Result: Prevalence of superficial fungal infection in this study was 59.2% with 99.7% response rate. Female {AOR(95% CI); 2.6 (3.06, 7.901)}, age ranges less than 15 [AOR(95% CI); 4.03 (0.002, 0.994)], and ages between 16-30 years [AOR(95% CI);2.1 (1.93, 7.16)], uneducated subjects [AOR (95% CI); 3.4 (0.00, 0.150)], presence of pets in the home 5.3 [(0.001, 0.183)], income source being a farmer [AOR (95% CI); 4.3 (0.031,0.72)], CD4 level less than 200cells/ mm3 [AOR (95% CI); 8 (0.00, 0.007)] and work condition associated to water [AOR (95% CI); 6.3 (7.31, 13.800)] were statistically significant to the presence of superficial fungal infection in Debretabor General hospital at ART clinic. Concussion: The overall prevalence of superficial fungal infection in the study area was relatively high (59.2%) with 78% of the cases were neglected as nothing would do on patients life having a statistical significant association with age, sex, income source (farmer), educational status, presence of pets in the home, CD4 level, work condition associated with water body. Thus, a continuous health education about the disease, factors with education on preventive methods and treating the cases accordingly of fungal infections should be sought.

Superficial fungal infections in end stage renal disease patients

Background: Patients with end stage renal disease commonly present a spectrum of dermatological disorders. Each one has its own unique presentation and treatment approaches. Superficial fungal infections of the skin do not account for much in the end stage renal disease patients; hence most of the reports do not discuss this issue. In the present study we analysed patients with end stage renal disease who had developed superficial fungal infections. Methods: During January 2015 to June 2016, we tried to analyse 150 patients with end stage renal disease, who developed superficial fungal infections and were undergoing haemodialysis at least thrice a week for a minimum of three months at our centre. Results: Out of the 150 suspected cases we identified, 36 cultures tested positive. The macroscopic examination of the scalp, skin and the nails revealed 2.2% Tinea capitis, 13.9% Tinea versicolor, 44.5% Tinea corporis, 8.4% Tinea mannum, 16.8% onychomycosis, 5.7% Tinea cruris and 8.5% Tinea pedis. The culture examination highlighted 44.4% Trichyopyton rubrum , 27.8% Trychophyton mentagrophyte , 2.8% Trychophyton violaceum , 2.8% Trichophyton verrucosum , 2.8% Microsporum canis , 2.8% Epidermophyton flucossum , 2.8% Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and 13.8% Malessesia). The predominant clinical abnormality observed was Tinea corporis and the prevalent fungal isolate was Trichophyton rubrum . Conclusions: The current study illustrates that a significant number of patients with the end stage renal disease had a prevalence of superficial fungal infections; hence, a prompt recognition of skin lesions and the identification of these superficial fungi may alarm us so that early and the judicious management to reduce the associated morbidity and in turn to improve the quality of life in these patients is taken.

Aspects épidémiologiques et étiologiques des mycoses cutanéo-phanériennes chez les détenus de la maison d’arrêt et de correction de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

The fight against fungal infections in prisons is within the overall framework of the fight against these diseases in the general population. To contribute to the fight against these diseases, we conducted this study among inmates of the big prison of Ouagadougou. It aimed to analyze the epidemiological and etiological aspects of superficial fungal infections among prison inmates in Ouagadougou. It was a matter of an analytical descriptive study (December 2011-April 2012) that examined 212 selected using a stratified sampling detainees. It consisted firstly of a survey on risk factors. Secondly, samples were taken from prisoners with suspicious lesions of superficial mycoses. For each lesion, some fragments were examined directly between slide and coverslip in KOH (10% or 30%). The remaining fragments were cultured on Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol and Sabouraud-Chloramphenicol-Actidione. The media were then incubated at 27°C for 1 month before declaring any negativity. The overall prevalence of superficial fungal infections among prison inmates Ouagadougou was 25.5%. The recent prison inmates (≤24 months) were the most affected (89.8%). Dermatophytes (15.56%) were more isolated than non-dermatophytes (12.26%) Anthropophilic species predominated among dermatophytes: T. mentagrophytes (7.0%), T. rubrum (3.3%), M. langeronii (23%), E. floccosum (1.41%) and T. violaceum (0.94%). M. gypseum (0.47%) was the only land-based species encountered. Non-dermatophytes were Malassezia sp. (11.79%) and Candida sp. (0.47%). Polyparasitism was less represented (7.4% of infected prisoners). Several body sites were mostly infected by one fungal agent. Pityriasis versicolor was the most common fungal infection (37.31%). Considering the results, specific control measures are to be taken against the superficial fungal infections in prisons and in the general population.

Epidemiological and clinical pattern of dermatomycoses in rural India

Superficial fungal infections are most common in tropical and subtropical countries. In this study, 297 suspected superficial fungal infection cases were identified among 15,950 patients screened. The collected samples (skin, nail, and hair) were subjected to direct microscopy with potassium hydroxide and cultured on Sabourauds dextrose agar to identify the fungal species. The prevalence of superficial fungal infection was 27.6% (82/297), dermatophytosis was 75.6% (62/82), and non-dermatophytosis was 24.4% (20/82). Among the isolated dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum was the commonest species (79%) and Candida (60%) the commonest non-dermatophytic species. Tinea corporis was the commonest (78%) clinical presentation.

The Prevalence and Pattern of Superficial Fungal Infections among School Children in Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria

Fungal infections of the skin and nails are common global problems with attendant morbidity among affected individuals. Children are mostly affected due to predisposing factors such as overcrowding and low socioeconomic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the clinical patterns of superficial fungal infections among primary school children in Ile-Ife. A multistage sampling was conducted to select eight hundred pupils from ten primary schools in Ile-Ife. Data on epidemiological characteristics and clinical history was collected using a semistructured questionnaire and skin scrapings were done. The prevalence of superficial fungal infections among the 800 respondents was 35.0%. Male pupils constituted 51.0% of respondents while the females were 49.0%. The mean age for all the respondents was 9.42 ± 2.00. Tinea capitis was the commonest infection with a prevalence of 26.9% and tinea unguium, tinea corporis, and tinea faciei had a prevalence of 0.8%, 0.6%, and 0.5%, respectively. Tinea manuum had the least prevalence of 0.1%. Pityriasis versicolor had a prevalence of 4.4%. Microsporum audouinii was the leading organism isolated. The study shows that the prevalence of superficial fungal infection (SFI) among primary school children in Ile-Ife is high with tinea capitis as the commonest SFI.

Prevalence of superficial fungal infection in primary school children in Ahvaz, Iran.

Background: Superficial fungal infections are common in schoolchildren. Superficial fungal diseases such as dermatophytosis and pityriasis versicolor, although not life-threatening, may be particularly distressing for this age group. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, clinical types, and causative agents of superficial fungal infections among primary school children in Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: A total of 2827 randomly selected primary school pupils (aged 6-12) from 14 schools were examined for superficial fungal infections by direct microscopy and culture based laboratory diagnosed methods. Results: Generally, 13 (0.4%) persons had infections. Out of these, 8 (61.5 %) were male while 5 (38.5%) were female. Seborrheic dermatitis (0.21%) was the most common infection, followed by pityriais veriscolor (0.18%) and tinea capitis (0.07%). The etiological agents of tinea capitis were identified Microsporum canis. Pityriasis versicolor was occurred only on the neck (100%). Seborrheic dermatitis was occurred among 9-to10-years-old pupils. Conclusion: Our data provide a valuable baseline on which to assess future efforts directed toward the prevention of dermatophytes infections in our epidemiological.

Characteristics of superficial fungal infections in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia

The prevalence and characteristics of superficial fungal infections (SFIs) vary with climatic conditions, lifestyle, and population migration patterns. This study was undertaken to determine the characteristics of SFIs amongst patients visiting the dermatology clinic of Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2003-2005. One hundred and nineteen patients with confirmed SFI (37 males and 82 females), aged between 5 months and 67 years, were included in this study. The diagnosis of SFI was based on clinical presentation confirmed by laboratory analysis. The type of mycotic pathogen and the site of infection were recorded as a function of age and sex. Onychomycosis (40.3%) was the most frequent infection, followed by tinea capitis (21.9%), tinea pedis (16%), tinea cruris (15.1%), and tinea corporis (6.7%). Tinea capitis was most prevalent (15.1%) in children (male to female ratio, 1 : 1.57), whereas tinea pedis was most common (11.8%) in adults (male to female ratio, 1 : 2.5). Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis were the most common dermatophytes responsible for tinea infections, and T. mentagrophytes, Candida spp., and Aspergillus spp. were mainly responsible for onychomycosis. The prevalence of SFI was twofold greater in females than males. Children were most commonly affected by tinea capitis, whereas adults generally suffered from tinea pedis. The frequency of onychomycosis was nearly three times higher in adults. This study clearly shows that SFIs are of concern in both genders and in all age groups.

Superficial fungal infections in 102 renal transplant recipients: a case-control study

Background Renal transplant recipients are predisposed to superficial fungal infections caused by graft-preserving immunosuppressive therapy. Reports have documented a wide range of prevalence rates for superficial fungal infections in this patient group. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical and mycological features of superficial fungal infections in renal transplant recipients at our center. Methods One hundred two consecutively registered renal transplant recipients (34 women, 68 men) and 88 healthy age- and sex-matched persons acting as controls (30 women, 58 men) underwent screening for the presence of superficial fungal infection. Skin scrapings and swabs were obtained from the dorsum of the tongue, upper part of the back, toe webs, and any suspicious lesions. Nail clippings were also collected. All samples were examined by direct microscopy and were stained with calcofluor white. The samples were cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar, mycobiotic agar, and dermatophyte test medium. Candida species were identified on the basis of germ-tube production, spore formation in cornmeal agar, and results of biochemical testing. Dermatophytes were identified on the basis of colonial and microscopic morphologic features in conjunction with results of physiologic evaluation (in vitro hair perforation test, urease activity, temperature tolerance test, and nutritional test). Results Sixty-five (63.7%) of the 102 renal transplant recipients had cutaneous-oral candidiasis, dermatophytosis, or pityriasis versicolor, whereas only 27 (30.7%) of controls had fungal infection. Pityriasis versicolor was the most common fungal infection in the patient group (36.3%), followed by cutaneous-oral candidiasis (25.5%), onychomycosis (12.7%), and fungal toe-web infection (11.8%). Pityriasis versicolor and oral candidiasis were significantly more common among the renal transplant recipients, whereas the frequency of dermatophytosis in patients and controls was similar. Candida albicans was the main agent responsible for oral candidiasis, and Trichophyton rubrum was the most common dermatophyte isolated. Analysis showed that age, sex, and duration of immunosuppression did not significantly affect the prevalence of superficial fungal infection. Cyclosporine treatment and azathioprine therapy were identified as independent risk factors for superficial fungal disease. Conclusions The prevalence of opportunistic infections with Pityrosporum ovale and C albicans is increased among renal transplant recipients, probably owing to the immunosuppressed state of this patient population. However, renal transplant recipients are not at increased risk of dermatophytosis.