RESUMO
A total of 1118 soldiers who were wounded in war and hospitalized in Tehran, were examined for P.versicolor-a superficial mycotic infection. Of these,213 were war-wounded, 54 chemical [mustard] gas-wounded, 42 both war and chemical gas-wounded, 105 had infectious and non infectious diseases, and 704 were apparently healthy soldiers serving in war fronts who were examined for P.versicolor and its relation with a history of contact with mustard gas. In this study the prevalence of P.versicolor among the above groups was: 7.40%, 1.85%, 9.52%, 11.42% and 6.11% respectively. Upon microscopic examination [Scotch tape method] from hyperpigmented parts of the skin resulting from mustard gas, P. orbiculare [the etiologic agent of P.versicolor] was seen abundantly. This observation leads us to hypothesize that there may be a relation between P.versicolor and previous contact with mustard gas