AbstractDermatophytosis is superficial fungal infections caused by Dermatophytes, a group of fungi that are capable of invading the keratin of skin, hair and nails and this included Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton.
Objectives
1. To determine prevalence and to identify the etiological agent causing Dermatophytosis in tertiary care hospital.
Material and Methods: This is an observational study conducted in the department of Microbiology. A total of 74 samples from patients clinically suspected to have Dermatophytosis were collected and transported to Microbiology laboratory. Direct examination for fungal element was done using 10% KOH for skin and hair, and 40% KOH for nail sample. Culture was done on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with gentamicin, cycloheximide and Dermatophyte Test medium.
Result: Out of 74 clinically suspected cases, 42(56.75%) were culture positive and 44(59.45%) were KOH positive for fungal element. More number of cases were observed between age group of 31-40 yr. Tinea corporis was more common clinical presentation. Trichophyton mentagrophyte was the common isolate recovered.
Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is a commonly seen fungal infection in developing countries like India. 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 dermatophyte infection.