ABSTRACT
This study aims to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes infection in Damascus and Damascus countryside and the importance of fungal culture in diagnosis. A 2 years prospective study was carried out in 893 clinically suspected patients who were consulted by dermatologists and referred to the laboratory for KOH test and cultures to detect dermatophytes or yeast forms in the following sites: scalp, skin, hands nails, and feet nails, during the period between 2004 and 2006. High rates of dermatophytes infections were recorded in Damascus. Direct examination and culture method showed high rates of positive results for scalp, skin, hand and feet nails [31.9%, 67.7%, 48.2% 55.2% respectively]. The results showed that the most prevalence species in Damascus and its country side in the scalp are Microsporum audouini and trichphyton tonsurans, while in skin are Trichophyton Rubrum and Candida, then Epidermophyton floccosum. Wherase the most prevalence species in hands nails are Candida and Trichophyton then Aspergillus, however in feet nails are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophytoninterdigitalis, then Candia. Prevalence of dermatophytes infections in Damascus showed to be of high importance. The culture method of scalps specimens for fungal diagnosis showed not to be necessary, however culture for skins was important, and of a great important for hands and feet nails