Abstract
Background Dermatophytes are fungi parasitizing structures rich in keratin such as skin, hair,
and nail, which leads to a dermal inflammatory response with intense itching and cosmetic
disfigurement. The climatic condition of eastern India is predominantly hot and humid
with severe rainfalls promoting fungal infection. This study was performed to determine
the prevalence of dermatophytosis and to isolate and identify the dermatophyte from
clinically suspected cases attending tertiary care center.
Methodology This study was conducted from April 2018 to March 2019 and a total of 1,200 samples
were included. Skin scrapings were collected and examined microscopically using 10%
potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount. Culture was performed using Sabouraud dextrose agar
and dermatophyte test medium. Speciation was done based on macroscopic and microscopic
findings using lactophenol cotton blue staining and some special tests like urease
test and slide culture.
Results Of 1,200 cases, tinea corporis was the most common clinical presentation. Direct
KOH positivity was 89.4% and culture positivity was 61.75%. Trichophyton mentagrophyte (77.5%) was the most common dermatophyte isolated followed by Trichophyton rubrum (13.3%).
Conclusion Dermatophytic infections are not serious but their propensity to persist leading
to chronicity and disfigurement may have personal and social implications.
Keywords
dermatophytes -
Epidermophyton
-
Microsporum
-
Trichophyton
