Mycological Pattern of Dermatomycoses in a Tertiary Care Centre in North East India

Abstract

BACKGROUND Dermatomycoses constitute more than 50% of cases in Dermatology outpatient department, which do not require compulsory notifications, but rather cause cosmetic defacements. Indian subcontinent is favourable for various fungal infections. The objective of this study is to identify the aetiology of fungal infections of skin, nail and hair in patients attending tertiary care centre in north east India. MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 160 samples from clinically suspected dermatomycoses were collected. Direct microscopy in 10% KOH (potassium hydroxide) and culture on (Sabouraud's dextrose agar) SDA containing gentamicin (5 gm/L) and chloramphenicol (50 gm/L) were performed. RESULTSOut of the 160 samples, 95 cases were positive on direct KOH mount and 108 were culture positive. In 64 cases, both KOH and culture were positive. Maximum number of cases belonged to the age group of 31 -40 years. Males were more affected compared to females. Most common isolates obtained in our study were yeasts followed by dermatophytes and non-dermatophytic moulds (NDMs). Candida albicans (25%) was the most common yeast isolated. Among the dermatophytes, Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the commonest and among the non-dermatophytic moulds (NDMs), Aspergillus niger was the most frequent. CONCLUSIONOur study reflects an increasing role of yeasts as a causative agent of dermatomycoses replacing the dermatophytes. KEYWORDSDermatomycoses, Dermatophytes, Yeasts, Non-Dermatophytic Moulds. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chongtham U, Preeti G, Singh HL. Mycological pattern of dermatomycoses in a tertiary care centre in North East India. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci. 2018;7(11):1373-1375, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2018/312 BACKGROUND Dermatophytes are a group of closely related fungi capable of invading keratinised tissues such as the skin, hair and nails causing infections referred to as dermatophytosis. Epidemiological studies showed that this pathology is among the most prevalent in the world and is considered the second most common skin disease in the adult population. It is estimated that 10% -15% of the general population may be affected by these microorganisms at some time in their lives. 1 Dermatophytic infections are of major importance, as they are widespread and cause discomfort and aesthetic problems. Reactions to dermatophyte infection may range from mild to severe. The severity depend on a variety of factors such as the host reactions to the metabolic products of the fungus, the virulence of infecting species or particular strain, anatomical location of the infection and local environmental factors. 1 Dermatophytic infections are a common clinical problem encountered in more than 50% of patients attending the 'Financial or Other Competing Interest': None. Submission 02-02-2018, Peer Review 28-02-2018, Acceptance 05-03-2018, Published 12-03-2018. Corresponding Author: Gurumayum Preeti, Keishampat, Keisham Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur. E-mail: preetigurumayum@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2018 dermatology outpatient dep...