Vol. 4, Issue 3, Part F (2018)

Aim & Objectives: To study the distribution and frequency of Dermatophytes species according to the site of infection.

Material and Methods: A total of 130 skin scraping, hair and nail samples from clinically suspected patients were collected. Direct examination for fungal elements was done by using 20% KOH mount for skin and hair samples and 40% KOH for nail clippings. The samples were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with gentamicin and cycloheximide and Dermatophytes test medium.

Results: Majority of cases were between age groups of 31–40 years followed by 21-30 years. In this study female predominance (62.3%) was found. Tinea corporis and Tinea cruris were more common in the age groups of 21–40 years. Out of 130 cases, samples from 112 (86.15%) cases were culture positive and 100 showed KOH mount positivity (76.9%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest isolate. Other dermatophytic species isolated were Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Microsporum canis and Epidermophyton flocossum.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of these infections requires proper clinical examination and laboratory diagnostic aids. Early diagnosis and prevention of predisposing factors play a major role in control of Dermatophytes infection.