AbstractBackground: Dermatophytosis is one of the commonest superficial infections encountered in humans. Some of the non-infectious dermatological disorders resemble superficial fungal infections and should be differentiated by appropriate mycological examination. Aim:To determine the prevalence, species distribution and epidemiological parameters of Dermatophytosis in patients suspected of Dermatophytosis attending Dermatology OPD of SKIMS-MC hospital. Settings and design: The study was conducted in the department of microbiology at SKIMS-MC Hospital for a period of six months from July 2017 to December 2017. Result: Out of 214 cases, 73 (34.12%) were positive.2 cases were KOH positive culture negative, 09 cases were KOH negative and culture positive and 56 cases were both KOH and culture positive. In addition 06cases of contaminant were observed. Trichophyton species was isolated in 61 (93.8%) cases and Microsporum species was isolated in 4 (6.1%) cases. T. rubrum was commonest isolate followed by T. mentagrophytes. Most of dermatophytic cases were seen in rural patients (74.7%) as compared to urban cases (25.2%). M. canis was isolated in one case of onychomycosis. Occupation wise, most cases were seen in farmers (37.7%). Tinea corporis was commonest (36.9%) body site infection followed by Tinea unguium (31.5%). Conclusion: The mycological profile of Dermatophytosis may alter because of environment, socioeconomic condition, profession. The epidemiological survey forms backbone for proper diagnosis and treatment. The identification of etiological agent is must for initiation of proper therapy.
Keywords: Dermatophytes; Mycosis; Tinea; Trichophyton.