Mycological study of dermatophytosis in a part of South India

ABSTRACT

Aims: Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton are the genera of dermatophytes causing superficial mycoses. These infections are on rise due to increase in immunocompromised patients and favorable environmental conditions in countries like India. The present study was undertaken to identify dermatophytes causing superficial fungal infection by microscopy and culture techniques which helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of cases. Methodology and results: Samples were collected from affected sites after cleaning the affected surface with 70% alcohol. All samples were microscopically examined for presence of hyphal structures by digesting in 10% to 40% KOH solution. All samples were inoculated into Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and Sabouraud dextrose agar with cycloheximide and chloramphenicol and incubated at room temperature for four weeks. Tease mount technique and slide culture technique were used for identification of dermatophytes. One hundred and ten samples from clinically suspected dermatophytoses which includes 77(70%) from male and 33(30%) from female patients were processed for identification of dermatophytes. Samples were subjected to microscopy and culture. In 61 samples (54.54%) fungal hyphae were seen by direct microscopic examination (KOH). Fifty six samples (50%) yielded dermatophyte growth in culture. Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant species isolated followed by T. violaceum and T. mentagrophytes. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Accurate and rapid diagnosis of superficial fungal infection is essential for proper management of cases. Direct microscopy is very good method for routine diagnosis, however culture remains gold standard.