Open AccessThe epidemiology and etiology of onychomycosis in 2 laboratory centers affiliated to Tehran university of medical sciences during 2019-2020
Author(s) -
Taraneh Razavyoon,
Seyed Jamal Hashemia,
Parvin Mansouri,
Zahra Rafat,
Ali Akbar Saboor-Yaraghi,
Hasti Kamali Sarvestani,
Zahra Ghasemi
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
iranian journal of microbiology.
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 2008-4447
pISSN - 2008-3289
DOI - 10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9196
Subject(s) - epidemiology , dermatophyte , nail (fastener) , medical mycology , medicine , dermatology , etiology , trichophyton , nail disease , candida albicans , antifungal , pathology , biology , paronychia , microbiology and biotechnology , materials science , metallurgy
Background and Objectives: Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophyte species, non- dermatophyte moulds (NDMs), and accounts for roughly 50% of all nail diseases. As the prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing, new epidemiologic documents may help with treatment and prevention. The present investigation aims to determine the epidemiological profile of onychomycosis in 2 mycology laboratories.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted during eight months (2019-2020) on 169 patients with positive nail mycology tests referred to two mycological laboratory centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Science. The nail clippings were examined by direct smear and culture. Also, molecular assays were performed if needed.
Results: 10% of nail lesions referred to Razi Hospital (RH), and 30% of nail lesions referred to TUMS mycology laboratory were positive. Middle age (40-60) suffer more from onychomycosis. Aspergillus flavus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans were the most common etiologic agents in each of the three main classes of fungi causing onychomycosis. Females were more infected. NDMs were the predominant etiologic agents, and toenails were the most common site of onychomycosis.
Conclusion: The pattern of etiologic agents and clinical signs of onychomycosis differs according to geographical region and age, so repeated epidemiological surveys of onychomycosis seem to be fundamental.