Evaluation of the prevalence of dermatophytes infection and its etiological agents – A clinico-microbiological study

Abstract

Background: Skin infections are common diseases in developing countries, Skin infections due to Dermatophytes has become a significant health problem affecting children, adolescents and adults of which Dermatophytosis are of particular concern in the tropics. Dermatophytosis constitutes a group of superficial fungal infections of the epidermis, hair and nails. Aim: To study the prevalence of dermatophytes infection in different patients and to find the etiological agents of dermatophytes. Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna. All samples in the form of skin and nails were collected randomly in batches under aseptically condition from both out patients & in-patients. KOH mount was done for direct exam. Culture was also done. Results: A total of 354 samples were collected of which majority were skin 341 (96.3%). Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 21-30 (33.9%) and were males (81.4%). Groin lesion was the most common lesion (58.5%). KOH, culture and both tests positive was found in 78%, 79.7% and 66.7% samples respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of KOH was 88.7% and 44.4 % respectively with positive predictive and negative predictive value of 85.5% and 41% respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, Dermatophytosis is a major problem in North Indian population & prevalence of dermatophytic infection is alarming in both rural as well as urban community.