PREVALENCE OF DERMATOPHYTES IN SKIN, HAIR AND NAIL AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AT AHMDEABAD

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is common worldwide and continues to increase. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of various etiological agents of dermatophytosis in skin outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ahmedabad.

Materials and Method: 125 cases of clinically diagnosed superficial dermatophytic infection were enrolled in this study. Skin scraping, hair plucking and nail clipping were taken for direct KOH mount and culture on Sabouroudۥ s dextrose agar with and without antibiotics and Dermatophyte test medium with supplements.

Result: T. corporis was the predominat clinical manifestation accounting for 32% of the cases. This study comprising of 92 males (73.6%) and 33 females (26.4%) having male to female ratio of 2.78:1. The commonest age group involved was 21-30 years (28%) followed by 11-20years (17.6%). T. rubrum (60.71%) was the commonest isolate followed by T. Mentagrophyte (23.80%). The KOH positivity rate is 73.6% and culture positivity rate is 67.2%.

Conclusion: Further intensive epidemiological studies of Dermatophytic infection which have public health importance are needed.