Study of Dermatophytosis in a Tertiary Care Centre in Central India

BACKGROUND Mycoses are assuming greater significance both in developed and developing countries particularly due to advent of immunosuppressive drugs and diseases. Dermatophytosis is most common type of cutaneous fungal infections seen in man, though in past few decades non-dermatophytes are also assuming importance. Present study is undertaken to know the pattern of dermatophytosis from our region. METHODS An observational study was conducted on 150 samples of patients with complaints of superficial mycoses. Samples were processed for microscopy on potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and culture on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA) with and without cycloheximide and chloramphenicol. Any growth was identified by conventional technique. RESULTS One hundred and fifty samples consisting of 86 skin and 64 nails were studied. Most samples were seen in rainy season and males were predominantly affected. Adults from age of 21 - 50 years were most commonly affected. Most common clinical presentation was tinea corporis (70.93 %). In dermatophytic causes, T. mentagrophytes (36.21 %), T. tonsurans (27.59 %) followed by T. rubrum (15.52 %) were common isolates. In non-dermatophytic causes, candida spp. followed by aspergillus spp. were commonest isolates. CONCLUSIONS Tinea corporis is found to be the commonest presentation. Along with dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic fungi are also emerging as the cause of superficial mycoses. In non-dermatophytic fungi, candida is the commonest species, which is now a days showing drug resistance; hence, identification of causative agent is important for correct and prompt treatment. KEY WORDS Dermatophytosis, Non-Dermatophytic Fungi, Dermatophytic Fungi