Dermatomicosis superficiales: cuando el diagnóstico lo entrega la histología / Superficial dermatomycosis: when the diagnosis is provided by histology

Superficial dermatomycosis are prevalent pathologies in the medical field and their diagnosis is fundamentally clinical. Histopathology is not considered part of his study, however, the diagnosis is exceptionally obtained by biopsy, when dermatomycosis was not suspected. Unpublished retrospective work is carried out on patients who had the histopathological diagnosis of superficial dermatomycosis between the years 2000-2019 at the HCUCH, based on selection criteria, obtaining 19 patients, in which the following were analyzed: age, gender, clinical characteristics, location, presumptive diagnosis and mycological and histological examinations. He stressed, as was our hypothesis, that dermatomycosis was not clinically suspected, since the presumptive diagnoses were various dermatoses. The most suspected dermatosis was psoriasis, as a result that 57.8% of the dermatoses studied had erythematous scaly plaques on examination. Another relevant fact is that only 21% of the cases underwent a direct mycological prior to the biopsy, which was negative ('' false negative''). It is concluded, then, that superficial dermatomycosis should be considered clinical simulators of other dermatoses, so clinical suspicion and support of mycological examination and fungal culture is essential. (AU)

Brote de tiña por Trichophyton tonsurans en una escuela básica de Valparaíso, Chile / Ringworm of Trichophyton tonsurans outbreak in a basic school in Valparaíso, Chile

Resumen Introducción: Las tiñas son infecciones que afectan la piel y anexos. Trichophyton tonsurans es un hongo antropofílico emergente que puede provocar brotes. Objetivo: Describir un brote de tiña por T. tonsurans en una escuela de Valparaíso. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo realizado entre junio-agosto de 2018. Se consideró caso a todo alumno de la escuela y a familiares directos en contacto con ellos, con diagnóstico clínico de tiña. El estudio micológico de las muestras tomadas se realizó a través de pruebas morfo-fisiológicas. Los datos se expresaron en números y porcentajes. Resultados: Hubo 18 casos, 16 niños (15 del kindergarten) y dos adultos. Tasa de ataque en kindergarten fue de 68%. Nueve casos fueron varones con promedio de edad de 6 años. Catorce de nacionalidad chilena y una haitiana. El caso índice fue un niño chileno y el primario el niño haitiano. La localización más frecuente fue en el rostro. Diez casos tuvieron cultivo con desarrollo de T. tonsurans. La mayoría requirió tratamiento con terbinafina por fracaso terapéutico con clotrimazol. Conclusiones: El brote por T. tonsurans ocurrió principalmente en varones del kindergarten. La principal localización fue en el rostro. La mayoría de los casos requirió terbinafina como tratamiento por fracaso terapéutico con clotrimazol.

Background: Ringworm are skin and its annexes infections. Trichophyton tonsurans is an emergent anthropophilic fungus that might cause outbreaks. Aim: To describe a ringworm outbreak by T tonsurans in an elementary school in Valparaíso, Chile. Methods: A descriptive study was run between June and August, 2018. Students and his closest relatives in contact with them who were clinically diagnosed with ringworm have been considered a case. Mycological studies of samples had been carried out through morphophysiology tests. Data are shown in numbers and percentages. Results: There were 18 cases, 16 kids (15 from kindergarten) and 2 adults. Attack rate was 68% in kindergarten. Nine cases were boys with average age of 6 years old. For 14 cases their nationality was Chilean and in 1 case Haitian. First case was a Chilean boy, and primary case was a Haitian boy. The most frequent location was face. Ten cases yielded positive cultures for T tonsurans. Most of the patients needed terbinafine treatment after a therapeutic failure performed with clotrimazole. Conclusion: T. tonsurans outbreak ocurred mainly in kindergarten male. The most frequent location was face. Most of the patients needed terbinafine treatment after a therapeutic failure with clotrimazole.

Occurrence of dermatophytoses in patients from the Sistema Único de Saúde

Abstract: Background: Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous disease caused by filamentous keratinophilic fungi belonging to the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton, which present a high prevalence in the general population, being among the most common mycoses affecting about 20% of the world's population. Objective: To carry out the epidemiological survey of cases of dermatophytosis in patients from the Sistema Único de Saúde in a regional Laboratory in the period of 5 years (2009 to 2013). Methods: A retrospective study (January 2009 to December 2013) was carried out with a qualitative and quantitative design, through the registry book of the laboratory, Mycology Sector, where cases of patients with suspected dermatomycosis were analyzed. Results: In a 5-year period, a total of 4467 cases were suspected of having a fungal infection. Of these, 68.74% (3071) cases were of dermatomycosis. In relation to cultures with fungal growth, 12.54% (385 cases) were dermatophyte fungi and 7.97% (245 cases) non-dermatophyte fungi were isolated. Among the species identified, there was a higher prevalence of T. rubrum complex (75%), T. mentagrophytes complex (11.68%) and M. canis (7.01%). Regarding the sites analyzed, nail involvement was the most frequent in 75% of the cases. Study Limitations: This work is representative in the studied region. Conclusions: Dermatomycosis samples are the most frequent among all samples of fungal infections from these patients, with the nail being the most affected area and the fungi T. rubrum complex and T. mentagrophytes complex the most frequent.

Profil mycologique de teignes du cuir chevelu vues à l'UPFR Parasitologie - Mycologie du HU-JRA Antananarivo, Madagascar de 2005-2018

Introduction : Les teignes sont des affections fongiques contagieuses causées par plusieurs espèces de dermatophytes. Cette mycose touche essentiellement l'enfant et rarement l'adulte. Les teignes anthropophiles sont fréquentes dans la plupart des pays en voie de développement. Cette affection reste sous-documentée à Madagascar. Notre étude a pour objectif de rapporter les cas de teignes diagnostiqués dans le laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie au CHU Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Antanananarivo de 2005 à 2018. Méthode : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive incluant tous les dossiers des patients ayant effectué un examen mycologique. Ont été inclus les dossiers comportant comme diagnostic la teigne. Chacun de ces patients a bénéficié d'un examen direct et d'une culture mycologique Résultats : Nous avons colligé en 13 ans 1014 patients confirmés porteurs de mycose. La fréquence des teignes sur l'ensemble des mycoses a été de 5,81% (59/1014). La prévalence brute des teignes a été de 37,57% (59/157). L'âge des patients variait de 2 à 67 ans dont 52,54% sont des enfants moins de 10 ans. La moyenne d'âge est de 13,5 ans. Les teignes étaient plus retrouvées chez les hommes (71,19 %) que chez les femmes (28,81 %) avec un sex ratio H/F de 2,47.Parmi ces patients, 77, 96% ont eu une notion de traitement avant l'examen mycologique. Dix souches de dermatophytes ont été isolées. Parmi les espèces retrouvées, Microsporium langeronii est l'espèce la plus isolée (33,89 %), suivie de Trichophyton mentagrophytes à 20,33 %. Conclusion : La fréquence des teignes n'est pas négligeable à Madagascar atteignant préférentiellement les enfants. Le diagnostic biologique des teignes est indispensable avant de débuter le traitement. L'identification de l'agent causal est importante pour prévenir et contrôler l'infection dermatophytique

Frecuencia de Epidermophyton floccosum en dermatofitos aislados en un laboratorio de la Región de Valparaíso, Chile. Período 1980-2010 / Frequency of Epidermophyton floccosum in isolated dermatophytea laboratory from the Region of Valparaiso, Chile. Time frame: 1990-2010

Resumen Introducción: Las dermatofitosis son infecciones comunes en humanos, provocadas por hongos de los géneros Trichophyton, Microsporum y Epidermophyton. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de E. floccosum en dermatofitos aislados en un laboratorio de la Región de Valparaíso durante las últimas tres décadas. Conocer las localizaciones más frecuentes, los grupos etarios y sexo de los pacientes afectados por este agente. Materiales y Método: Se revisaron los informes de cultivos superficiales con desarrollo de E. floccosum, Microsporum spp y Trichophyton spp de las tres últimas décadas del laboratorio de Micología de la Universidad de Valparaíso. Se registró en una planilla Excel el resultado del cultivo, edad, sexo y ubicación de la lesión de los pacientes. Resultados: El total de dermatofitosis con agente identificado fue de 6.780. En 26 casos hubo desarrollo de E. floccosum, de éstos, 73% (19/26) fueron en hombres y con una edad promedio de 37 años. La frecuencia disminuyó progresivamente desde la década de los ochenta hasta la del 2000. El grupo etario más afectados fue el de 36-60 años. Las localizaciones más frecuentemente afectadas fueron la planta y uñas de los pies. Conclusiones: Existe una disminución progresiva de la frecuencia de aislamiento de E. floccosum en el período estudiado. El sexo masculino y el grupo etario de 36-60 años fueron los más afectados. Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron la planta y uñas de los pies.

Background: Dermatophytoses are frequent infections in human, which are produced by fungus genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Aim: To determine frequency of E. floccosum in isolated dermatophyte in a laboratory from Valparaíso during the last three decades, in addition to knowing the most frequent localization, age and gender of patients affected by this agent. Method: All superficial culture reports, issued by the Universidad de Valparaíso's mycology laboratory in the last three decades, with E. floccosum, Microsporum spp and Trichophyton spp development, has been reviewed. Patients age, gender, location of the injury and culture report has been registered in an excel spreadsheet. Results: The total number of reports with dermatophyte development in the culture was 6,780. Only 26 cases show E. floccosum development, 73% of this (19/26) were present on men with and average age of 37 years. Frequency did progressively fall since eighty's until 2000 decade. The age group most affected by this etiological agent was 30-36 years. The most frequently localization in both man and woman were foot plant and nails. Conclusions: Frequency of isolation did decrease progressively in dermatophytose by E. floccosum for the study period. Masculine gender and 36-60 age group were the most affected. The most frequently localization were foot plant and nails.

Dermatofitos: casuística en la Sección de Micología del Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Asunción - Paraguay (2000 - 2016) / Dermatophytes: casuistry in the Mycology Section of the Central Public Health Laboratory, Asunción - Paraguay (2000 - 2016)

Introducción: los dermatofitos son las principales causas de micosis superficial. Su epidemiología es poco conocida en Paraguay. Objetivos: describir las especies prevalentes, tipos de tiñas y características según sexo y edad de pacientes que acudieron al Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Asunción- Paraguay,en el período 2000-2016. Materiales y Métodos: se estudiaron pacientes de todas las edades con diagnóstico de micosis superficiales. Las muestras procesadas fueron uñas, pelos y escamas epidérmicas Se realizaron exámenes directos con KOH y cultivos. La identificación fue por macro y microscopía de las colonias. Resultados: de 6.652 pacientes con sospecha de micosis superficiales, 803 (12%) fueron positivas para dermatofitos. Los aislamientos fueron Microsporumcanis (33,9%), Trichophytonrubrum (23,8%), Trichophytonmentagrophytes (22%), Trichophytontonsurans (12,6%), Microsporumgypseum (6,2%), Trichophytonverrucosum (1,4%), un aislamiento para Microsporummanuumy Epidermophytonfloccosum respectivamente. Los tipos de tiñas fueron: capitis (54,3%), corporis (27,1%) yunguium (9,8%), pedís (3,8%), cruris (3%) y manuum (2%). Conclusión: el hongo prevalente fue Microsporumcanis (33,9%) y la tiña más frecuente fue capitis.

Introduction: dermatophytes are the main causes of superficial mycosis. Its epidemiology is less known in Paraguay. Objectives: to describe the prevalent species, types of tinea and features according to sex and age of patients who attended the Central Laboratory of Public Health, Asunción-Paraguay, in the period 2000-2016. Materials and Methods: patients of all ages with a diagnosis of superficial mycosis were studied. The samples processed were nails, hairs and epidermal scales. Direct tests were carried out with KOH and cultures. The identification was by macro scopy and microscopy of the colonies. Results: of 6,652 patients with suspected superficial mycoses, 803 (12%) were positive for dermatophytes. The isolates were Microsporum canis (33.9%), Trichophyton rubrum (23.8%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (22%), Trichophyton tonsurans (12.6%), Microsporum gypseum (6.2%), Trichophyton verrucosum (1,4%), isolation for Microsporum manuum and Epidermophyton floccosum respectively. The types of tinea were: capitis (54.3%), corporis (27.1%) and unguium (9.8%), pedis (3.8%), cruris (3%) and manuum (2%). Conclusion: The prevalent fungus was Microsporum canis (33.9%) and the most frequent tinea was capitis.

Dermatofitoses: agentes etiológicos, formas clínicas, terapêutica e novas perspectivas de tratamento / Dermatophytoses: etiologic agents, clinical forms, therapy and new perspectives of treatment

As dermatofitoses têm ocorrência mundial, sendo mais prevalentes em países de clima tropical e subtropical. Dados epidemiológicos indicam que essas micoses estão entre as infecções fúngicas de maior ocorrência. O quadro clínico mais comum de dermatofitose inclui despigmentação, placas anulares, prurido e perda de cabelo, com lesões tipicamente conhecidas como tineas, ocasionadas por fungos filamentosos dermatofíticos de três gêneros anamórficos: Microsporum, Trichophyton e Epidermophyton. O tratamento das dermatofitoses, em geral, está relacionado ao uso de antifúngicos tópicos e/ou sistêmicos, apresentando como problemática o surgimento de espécies multirresistentes. Esta revisão aborda as dermatofitoses e seus agentes etiológicos de forma aprofundada em aspectos epidemiológicos, apresentando a importância clínica do tema, com ênfase na causa, prevenção, tratamento e prognóstico dessa micose cutânea (AU)

Dermatophytoses have worldwide occurrence with higher prevalence in tropical and subtropical countries. Epidemiological data show that these mycoses are among the most frequent fungal infections. The most common symptoms of dermatophytoses include depigmentation, annular plaques, itching and hair loss, with lesions such as tinea, caused by dermatophytic filamentous fungi of three anamorphic genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Topical and/or systemic antifungalmedications are used in the treatment of dermatophytoses in general, resulting in problems such as the emergence of multidrug-resistant species. This review discusses dermatophytoses and their etiological agents with a focus on epidemiological aspects, presenting the clinical importance of the issue, with emphasis on cause, prevention, treatment and prognosis of this skin mycosis (AU)

Comparative efficacy of continuous and pulse dose terbinafifine regimes in toenail dermatophytosis: A randomized double-blind trial.

Introduction: Dermatophytes are the most frequently implicated agents in toenail onychomycosis and oral terbinafi ne has shown the best cure rates in this condition. The pharmacokinetics of terbinafi ne favors its effi cacy in pulse dosing. Objectives: To compare the effi cacy of terbinafi ne in continuous and pulse dosing schedules in the treatment of toenail dermatophytosis. Methods: Seventy-six patients of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and culture positive dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis were randomly allocated to two treatment groups receiving either continuous terbinafi ne 250 mg daily for 12 weeks or 3 pulses of terbinafi ne (each of 500mg daily for a week) repeated every 4 weeks. Patients were followed up at 4, 8 and12 weeks during treatment and post-treatment at 24 weeks. At each visit, a KOH mount and culture were performed. In each patient, improvement in a target nail was assessed using a clinical score; total scores for all nails and global assessments by physician and patient were also recorded. Mycological, clinical and complete cure rates, clinical effectivity and treatment failure rates were then compared. Results: The declines in target nail and total scores from baseline were signifi cant at each follow-up visit in both the treatment groups. However, the inter-group difference was statistically insignifi cant. The same was true for global assessment indices, clinical effectivity as well as clinical, mycological, and complete cure rates. Limitations: The short follow-up in our study may have led to lower cure rates being recorded. Conclusion: Terbinafi ne in pulse dosing is as effective as continuous dosing in the treatment of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis.

Increasing Prevalence of Trichophyton rubrum Identified through an Analysis of 115,846 Cases over the Last 37 Years

Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte in the world with the highest prevalence in Korea. There are few reports about epidemiological and mycological characteristics of T. rubrum based on long-term, large-scale studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of T. rubrum infections in Korea. We retrospectively investigated with patients' records about the epidemiological and mycological status of 115,846 cases with T. rubrum infection that was mycologically diagnosed at Catholic Skin Disease Clinic from 1979 to 2013. Direct microscopy in 15% KOH solution and culture was done in each case. The annual incidence of patients with T. rubrum infection had been increasing during the period; and of 131,122 patients with dermatophytosis, 115,846 patients (88.35%) had T. rubrum infection. Disease was most prevalent among patients in their twenties in the 1970s and 1980s; in their thirties in the 1990s; in their forties in the 2000s; and in their fifties in the 2010s. The sex ratio was 1.5:1. T. rubrum infection was most commonly seen in summer and was found predominantly in patients living in urban areas. Toe webs were most frequently involved, followed by toenails and groin. This epidemiologic findings provide useful information for prevention of T. rubrum infection and future dermatophytosis prospects.

Micosis superficiales en pacientes del estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela, periodo 2002-2012 / Superficial mycoses in patients from Anzoátegui state, Venezuela, period 2002-2012

Las enfermedades fúngicas superficiales que afectan la piel y sus faneras son motivo de consultas en los servicios básicos de triaje y en dermatología. Se encuentran distribuidas en Venezuela con una incidencia de 92,9%. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer los géneros y especies que causan dermatomicosis en pacientes residentes del estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela, en el período 2002-2012. Se estudiaron 4257 pacientes con edades entre 7 meses y 79 años. La prevalencia general fue de 30,9%. Las más frecuentes fueron las dermatofitosis (44,7%). M. canis produjo 148 casos de tiña de la cabeza. Tres agentes dermatofiticos representaron el 95% de todos los casos, con predominio significativo de T. mentagrophytes representado por un 50%. La candidosis se presentó en 28,4%. C. albicans, y el complejo C. parapsilosis, fueron responsables del 80% de los casos. Otras especies identificadas fueron C. tropicalis (n = 41; 11,0%), C. glabrata (n = 10; 2,7%), C. guilliermondii (n = 6; 1,6%), C. krusei (n = 4; 1,1%). Pitiriasis versicolor se presentó en (22,4%), y en menor frecuencia la onicomicosis por mohos no dermatofitos, dominando Fusarium oxysporum (n = 34; 65,4%), Aspergillus terreus (n = 16; 30,8%) y Scytalidium dimidiatum (2; 3,8%). Raros casos de onicomicosis por Trichosporon (0,5%) y un caso de tinea negra. Estos resultados revelan una alta frecuencia de las micosis superficiales con predominio de las dermatofitosis indicando la existencia de un problema de salud pública.

Superficial fungal diseases that affect the skin and its appendages are frequently seen in basic triage and in dermatology services. These diseases are distributed in Venezuela with an incidence of 92.9%. The aim of this study was to determine the genera and species that cause dermatomycoses in residents of Anzoátegui state, Venezuela, during the period 2002-2012. A total of 4257 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of superficial mycoses were studied, with ages from 7 months to 79 years. The overall prevalence was 30.9%. The most frequent were dermatophytosis (44.7%). M. canis produced 148 cases of tinea capitis. Three dermatophytic agents represented 95% of all cases, with a significant predominance of T. mentagrophytes with 50%. Candidosis occurred in 28.4%. C. albicans, and the C. parapsilosis complex, were responsible for 80% of the cases. The other species identified were C. tropicalis (n = 41, 11.0%), C. glabrata (n = 10, 2.7%), C. guilliermondii (n = 6, 1.6%), C. krusei (n = 4, 1.1%). Pityriasis versicolor occurred in 22.4% of the cases studied, and less frequently were present onychomycosis produced by a non dermatophytic mold: Fusarium oxysporum (n = 34, 65.4%), Aspergillus terreus (n=16, 30.8%) and Scytalidium dimidiatum (n=2; 3.8%). Rare cases of Trichosporon onychomycosis (0.5%) and one case of black tinea were also found. Health education in the population is recommended to promote measures to prevent transmission of these fungi and prevent the spread of this silent public health problem.

Clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic profile of dermatophytosis

BACKGROUND: The cutaneous mycoses, mainly caused by dermatophyte fungi, are among the most common fungal infections worldwide. It is estimated that 10% to 15% of the population will be infected by a dermatophyte at some point in their lives, thus making this a group of diseases with great public health importance. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic profile of dermatophytosis in patients enrolled at the Dermatology service of Universidade do Estado do Pará, Brazil, from July 2010 to September 2012. METHOD: A total of 145 medical records of patients diagnosed with dermatophytosis were surveyed. Data were collected and subsequently recorded according to a protocol developed by the researchers. This protocol consisted of information regarding epidemiological and clinical aspects of the disease and the therapy employed. RESULTS: The main clinical form of dermatophyte infection was onychomycosis, followed by tinea corporis, tinea pedis, and tinea capitis. Furthermore, the female population and the age group of 51 to 60 years were the most affected. Regarding therapy, there was a preference for treatments that combine topical and systemic drugs, and the most widely used drugs were fluconazole (systemic) and ciclopirox olamine (topical). CONCLUSION: This study showed the importance of recurrent analysis of the epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis to enable correct therapeutic and preventive management of these conditions, which have significant clinical consequences, with chronic, difficult-totreat lesions that can decrease patient quality of life and cause disfigurement. .

Decreasing Incidence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in Korea: Analysis of 6,250 Cases during the Last 21-Year-Period (1992-2012)

Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the second common dermatophyte in Korea. However, few reports have been issued on the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of T. mentagrophytes in Korea based on long-term, large-scale study. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of T. mentagrophytes in Korea. During the 21-yr-period from 1992 to 2012, 6,250 patients with T. mentagrophytes were surveyed to determine annual incidence and the distribution of subjects by age, sex, season, involved sites, and place of residence. T. mentagrophytes infections were confirmed by fungal culture. In addition, the colony appearance of T. mentagrophytes was classified as granular, persicolor, powdery, or downy. Epidemiological analysis showed that annual incidence reached a peak in 2005, and then gradually decreased. T. mentagrophytes infection was most common in July, and was found predominantly in middle-aged adults, especially in those in their forties. Mycological analysis showed a powdery colony appearance was the most common, followed by persicolor and granular colonies. Toewebs were most frequently involved. This investigation on T. mentagrophytes provides insights into its incidence and characteristics.

Anti dermatophytic therapy: prospects for the discovery of new drugs from natural products

Millions of people and animals suffer from superficial infections caused by a group of highly specialized filamentous fungi, the dermatophytes, which only infect keratinized structures. With the appearance of AIDS, the incidence of dermatophytosis has increased. Current drug therapy used for these infections is often toxic, long-term, and expensive and has limited effectiveness; therefore, the discovery of new anti dermatophytic compounds is a necessity. Natural products have been the most productive source for new drug development. This paper provides a brief review of the current literature regarding the presence of dermatophytes in immunocompromised patients, drug resistance to conventional treatments and new anti dermatophytic treatments.

Epidemiologia e etiologia das dermatofitoses em Pernambuco 2005-2010 / Epidemiology and etiology of the dermatophytosis in Pernambuco, 2005-2010

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivos detectar, isolar e identificar espéciesdermatófitos em amostras de pele, pêlos e unhas de 5.590 pacientes oriundos de hospitais públicos de Pernambuco. Os resultados apontaram o Trichophyton rubrum como a espécie de dermatófito mais incidente. O gênero masculino e faixa etária entre 0-20 anos prevaleceram...

Prevalence of fungal skin infections in Iranian wrestlers

Fungal infections are one of the most common skin infections. Athletes, especially in contact sports such as wrestlers are the group at risk of fungal skin infections [FSI]. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of FSI and some effective factors in wrestlers in Tehran, Iran. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted in 2009 and subjects were wrestlers of wrestling clubs of Tehran, Iran. In this study the prevalence of FSI and its related factors was collected based on clinical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. We also determined the rate of dermatophytic contamination of wrestling mats. The relationship between independent variables and incidence of fungal infection analyzed by Chi square test and regression analysis. In this study, out of 454 wrestlers, 111 [24.5%] subjects had suspicious fungal skin lesions on physical examination. The Prevalence of FSI was 8.2% in all of the wrestlers [34.2% of the wrestlers with suspicious lesion]. Malassezia furfur [50%] and trichophyton tonsurans [30%] were the most common causative agents. Epidermophyton floccosum [7.5%], Trichophyton rubrum [5%], Candida albicans [5%] and Trichophyton mentagrophytes [2.5%] were other isolated fungi. Eleven wrestling mats [44%] were contaminated with different fungal organisms. The prevalence of fungal skin infection in Iranian wrestlers is relatively high. Appropriate preventive measures need to be prepared and implemented to reduce incidence of FSI in wrestlers

Dermatophytosis diagnosed at the Evandro Chagas Institute, Pará, Brazil

Dermatophytosis is caused by a dermatophyte fungus that affects the stratum corneum and keratinized tissue. Dermatophyte fungus has been reported worldwide as the causative agent of dermatophytosis, but the etio-epidemiological aspects of these mycoses in the state of Pará remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the etio-epidemiological profile of dermatophytosis diagnosed in patients at the Evandro Chagas Institute from May 2005 to June 2006. A total of 494 patients were admitted, and their samples were collected, submitted for direct microscopic examination using 20% KOH and cultured in Sabouraud and Mycosel medium. The identification was based in macro and microscopic characteristics. Direct examinations were positive in 13% (66/494) of the patients, and agent isolation by cultivation of the biological sample was successful in 4% (20/494), with a high prevalence of T. mentagrophytes (40%; 8/20). Dermatophytosis was more frequent in women (58%; 38/66). Fifty-two percent (21/38) of the cases were children with an average age of 8 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was Tinea corporis (55%, 36/66). For the cases in which the dermatophyte agent was not isolated, we discuss the factors that may be interfering with isolation. Tinea corporis occurred more frequently observed when T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum were the major etiologic agents.

Consideraciones actualizadas sobre la patogenia de la tiña pedis / Up-to-date considerations on the pathogenesis of the tinnea pedis

Se exponen consideraciones actualizadas de interés sobre la patogenia de la tiña pedis, fundamentalmente acerca de los factores causales e inmunológicos, pues resultan importantes en la aparición, evolución y curación de esta enfermedad, así como ayudan a comprender mejor su cuadro clínico, tan frecuente en la población cubana y mundial.

Up-to-date considerations of interest are exposed on the pathogenesis of the tinnea pedis fundamentally about the etiologic and immunologic factors, because they are important in the onset, clinical course and cure of this disease, as well as they help to understand better their clinical pattern, so frequent in the Cuban and world population.

A clinical and mycological study of onychomycosis in HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is one of the early manifestations of HIV infection with a prevalence of 15-40%. Multiple nail involvement, isolation of both common and rare species and resistance to treatment are the characteristics of onychomycosis in HIV. AIM: To study the epidemiology, clinical manifestations of onychomycosis in HIV-infected individuals and to identify the various causative fungi microbiologically. METHODS: A total of 250 HIV infected patients, diagnosed by ELISA, were screened for nail involvement; of which 60 patients i.e, 40 males and 20 females, who had clinically suspected untreated fungal infection were included in this study. RESULTS: Of the 60 respondents, 34 (56.66%) were from the 31-40 years age group. Amongst the 40 males, there were 20 manual laborers and 14 farmers; while 18 of 20 females were housewives. Toenail involvement was seen in 38 patients (63.33%), fingernail in 12 patients (20%) while 10 (16.66%) patients had involvement of both. Twenty eight (46.66%) patients gave history of some trauma, 6 (10%) had diabetes mellitus and only 1 patient (1.66%) had history of peripheral vascular disease. Nineteen (31.66%) patients had associated tinea pedis, 5 (8.33%) had tinea manuum, 10 (16.66%) had tinea corporis and 7 (11.66%) had tinea cruris. Twenty one (35%) respondents had distal and lateral superficial onychomycosis (DLSO), 5 (8.33%) had proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), 1 (1.66%) had superficial white onychomycosis (SWO), while 33 (55%) had total dystrophic onychomycosis (TDO). Fungal elements were demonstrated by KOH mount in 49 patients (81.66%) and growth was seen in 32 (53.33%) cultures. Dermatophytes were isolated in 13 (21.66%) and nondermatophytic molds (NDM) in 19 (31.66%). Out of the 13 positive dermatophyte cultures, Trichophyton rubrum was isolated on 11 and Trichophyton mentagrophytes on 2 cultures. Of the 19 non-dermatophytic cultures, Aspergillus niger was isolated on 3 and Candida spp. on 12 while Cladosporium spp, Scytalidium hyalinum, Penicillium spp. and Gymnoascus dankaliensis on 1 each. CONCLUSIONS: Total dystrophic onychomycosis was the most common clinical type and NDM were the predominant causative organisms.