Analysis of superficial mycosis and pathogenic fungi in 4 018 cases

Objective To investigate the composition and distribution of superficial mycoses and pathogenic fungi in Guangzhou and surrounding areas. Methods From January 2013 to December 2020 at the Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, 4 018 cases of fungal infections were confirmed by culture and fungal identification. Results Among 4 018 cases, the maximum was onychomycosis (2 353 cases, 58.00%), followed by 546 cases (13.46%) of tinea pedis, 319 cases (7.86%) of tinea corporis. Distribution of strains included 2 197(54.15%) strains of Trichophyton rubrum, 1 161(28.62%) strains of Candida and 316 (7.79%) strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The proportion of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis and tinea pedis was higher in men than in women, and the proportion of onychomycosis in women was higher than that in men (χ2=189.23, P<0.05). Conclusions This epidemic trend is similar to most parts of our country and has its own characteristics. The main pathogen of superficial mycosis in Guangzhou area is Trichophyton rubrum, while the main pathogen of tinea capitis is Microsporum canis. There are gender differences in the proportions of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea pedis, and onychomycosis. The 0-10-year-old age group is the peak incidence of tinea capitis and tinea fascia.