A Study Of Prevalence Of Dermatophytes In A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Northern India

BACKGROUNDSuperficial fungal infections have become a significant health problem affecting all age groups. Skin infections due to dermatophytes are caused by a group of closely related keratophilic fungi, capable of invading the keratinized tissues of skin. Aims and Objectives-This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis, and to identify the dermatophytes from skin samples of clinically suspected cases in a tertiary care hospital.MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 197 skin samples from suspected cases of dermatophytosis were received and processed in the department of microbiology. All the samples were subjected to microscopic examination and culture by standard techniques. Dermatophytes were identified by studying macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the isolates.RESULTSAmong the clinically suspected cases (197) of dermatophytosis, most common age group was 21-40 years (52.3%). Fungal elements were detected in 75 (38.08%) cases either by direct microscopy or by culture. Trichophyton species were the most common dermatophytic species isolated (87.1%) followed by Microsporum species (12.9%).CONCLUSIONAccurate assessment of the prevalence of dermatophytic infections, early laboratory diagnosis and timely treatment can limit the spread of these infections.