Dermatophytosis in northern Africa

Abstract

Summary Infections caused by dermatophytes are a global problem and a major public health burden in the world today. In Africa, especially in the northern geographical zone, dermatophytic infections are being reported at an alarming rate. This is mostly because of some local but unique cultural practices, socioeconomic and environmental conditions, lack of reliable diagnostic personnel and facilities and ineffective treatment. Interestingly, the pathogen spectrum and the clinical manifestation are most times different from what is seen in other continents. Several epidemiological studies have been performed on the incidence and aetiology of dermatophytoses in northern Africa. However, there is currently no review article with up‐to‐date information on the relevant findings reported so far in this region. This information is necessary for clinicians who treat dermatophytic infections all over the world since agents of dermatophytes are no longer restricted because of the rapid mobility of humans from one part of the world to another. Moreover, the epidemiology of dermatophytoses is known to change over time, thus requiring the update of information from time to time. A review of relevant studies published on dermatophytoses in northern Africa is presented. This covers all of old Sudan, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco.

Comparison of Antifungal Activity of Extracts of Ten Plant Species and Griseofulvin Against Human Pathogenic Dermatophytes

“…Dermatophytes are the fungal pathogens of humans and animals infecting the keratinized tissues e.g. skin, nails, and hairs, since they are most likely found in hot humid areas [6]. These fungi can easily digest the keratinized tissue by releasing sulphite, exoprotease, and endoprotease [7].…”

Incidence and prevalence of dermatophytosis in and around Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

“…2 The infection spreads easily by direct contact from infected humans and animals or through fomites. 3 Although the infection is not invasive and easy to cure, its widespread nature and cost of the treatment is a major public health problem and causes colossal damage to the economic status of the tropical countries like India. 4 There are not many cases reported recently on the prevalence of the dermatophytosis in Chennai, India, therefore, this work was framed to study the epidemiology and prevalence of dermatophyte strains from patients attending the dermatology outpatient unit from a tertiary care centre in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.…”

A Review on Superficial Fungal Infections: Clinical Symptoms and Treatment

“…It is more common in males. The main causative agents are T. mentagrophytes, M. magnum, E. floccosum, T. rubrum and T. raubitschekii [15,18] . The Dermatophytes attacks on the stratum corneum and lethal hairs of the infected regions [19] .…”

“…The sign and symptoms are weakness, loss of the shine, lifting up of the nail, change in the nail shape [15,10] . The diagnostic tests for Tinea unguium are microscopy, culture and PCR techniques.…”