Changing trend of superficial mycoses with increasing nondermatophyte mold infection: A clinicomycological study at a tertiary referral center in Assam

Abstract

Background: Superficial mycosis is the commonest infections affecting human globally. Though they do not cause mortality, their clinical significance lies in their morbidity, recurrence, and cosmetic disfigurement, thus creating a major public health problem. The infections are more prevalent in the tropical regions. The etiological agents are also seen to vary with time and geographical location. Aim: This study was carried out to find out the trend of superficial mycosis in Assam, along with a clinicomycological correlation. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 clinically diagnosed cases of superficial mycoses attending the outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary hospital in Assam for a period of 1 year were taken up for the study. After taking the informed consent and a proper history, the clinical materials like skin scrapings, nail clippings, and infected hair were sent for mycological examination. Results: The infection was found to be more prevalent among males than females (M:F, 3:2) and among the farmers and laborers (24.61%). Tinea corporis was the commonest clinical type (21.5%). Among the fungal isolates, dermatophytes were the most frequent isolates (43.54%), out of which Trichophyton rubrum was commonest. nondermatophyte moulds like Fusarium, Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis, Trichosporon , and Penicillium spp . were isolated. Conclusion: The epidemiology of fungal infection and the causative fungi is seen to vary geographically and with time. This study reflects the changing trend of fungal infection in the north eastern region with a high rate of isolation of nondermatophyte moulds as the causative agent.

Pattern of dermatological involvement in early postmenopausal period: a cross sectional study

“…14 With regard to superficial dermatophytic infections, prevalence is found to be higher in younger population especially infections in the groin. 15 Prevalence of oral findings overall was low in our study with only 23.43% of women having complaints. Most of the women complained of a nonspecific oral discomfort without presence of any lesions.…”

The unprecedented epidemic-like scenario of dermatophytosis in India: I. Epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features

“…However, in the present epidemic, these boundaries are getting blurred with the rising incidence of dermatophytosis in women and children [Table 2]. 7,[12][13][14][15][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] It is clear that the male:female ratio is < 2 in all the studies published in the last 3-4 years [12][13][14][18][19][20] in contrast to earlier studies where the ratio was 3-5, indicating a rising prevalence in women. 24,25 Recent studies have even shown the reversal of the men:women ratio.…”

“…4 Moreover, a probability that the zoophilic Trichophyton mentagrophytes has acclimatised itself and has undergone anthropization leading to easy transmission among humans has been suggested. 4 In the past decade, and especially from the beginning of 2012, the reported prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes has not only increased, 6,7,10,12,18,22,26,30 but it has even replaced Trichophyton rubrum in a few studies[Table 4]. [9][10][11]24,26 The most recent studies have found Trichophyton mentagrophytes in more than 90% of their dermatophyte isolates.…”

Effective photodynamic treatment of Trichophyton species with Rose Bengal

“…Superficial fungal infections of the nail (tinea unguium or onychomycosis) and skin (eg, tinea pedis) are most commonly caused by dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton, accounting for 50% to 90% of such infections [1][2][3]. Trichophyton rubrum is the most common causative anthropophilic species (~90% of onychomycosis), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (~8%) [4], while Trichophyton interdigitale alone comprises 15% of tinea pedis infections [5].…”