Molds in onychomycosis.

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a major cause of nail dystrophy. The causative organisms in onychomycosis are dermatophytes, Candida and molds. A variety of molds have been isolated from nails. METHODS: Nail scrapings and clippings were collected from 100 cases and inoculated on slants containing SDA with cycloheximide 0.5 mg/mL, chloramphenicol 0.05 mg/mL, and SDA with chloramphenicol 0.05 mg/mL. RESULTS: The culture positivity rate for molds was 22%. The predominant mold isolates were Aspergillus species (86.4%, Fusarium oxysporum (4.5%), Curvularia species (4.5%) and Penicillium species (4.5%). CONCLUSION: Primary invasion of nails by molds can cause onychomycosis.