A study of superficial mycoses in tertiary care hospital.

ABSTRACT

Background & Objectives: Fungal infections are extremely common in the tropical regions and some of them are serious .Fungi produce diverse human infections ranging from superficial skin infections to systemic disease .The study of superficial mycosis is important due to the frequent occurrence in dermatology clinics. The present study was undertaken with a view to find out the clinical pattern of dermatophytic and non – dermatophytic fungi (superficial mycosis) and most common fungal pathogens in tertiary care hospital affiliated with medical college in Western India from August 2007 to July 2008. Methods: A clinical and mycological study of superficial mycosis was conducted on 215 cases (138 males and 77 females). Direct microscopy by KOH (potassium hydroxide) mount and culture was undertaken to isolate the fungal pathogen in each case. Results: Commonest age group involved was adults of 19-59 years age. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical presentation and Trichopyton rubrum was the most common fungal pathogen isolated. Dermatophytosis was the commonest superficial fungal infection and found in 147/215 cases (68.4%). Non dermatophytic fungus like pityriasis versicolor and yeast like candida species were isolated in 48/215(22.3%) cases and 20/215 (9.3%) cases respectively. The KOH positivity rate was 72.4% and total culture positivity rate was 62.8%.Interpretation & conclusion: Along with dermatophytes, nondermatophytic fungi are also emerging as important causes of superficial mycosis. Direct microscopy and culture both are important tools for diagnosis of the fungal infections.