Mycological Profile of Dermatophytes

Abstract

Aims: Dermatophytoses are commonest type of fungal infections seen in human beings, invading keratinised tissue skin, hair and nails by keratinophilic fungi. Dermatophytoses can be treated effectively by antifungals. Settings and Design: Retrospective study Methods and Material: A total of 200 patients which were referred from the department of dermatology to the department of microbiology were collected from July 2020 to June 2021. After cleaning with povidone iodine and 70% alcohol, the skin was scrapped, hair was plucked and nails were clipped. Skin, Hair and Nail were treated with 10%, 20% and 40% KOH respectively to identify septate hyphae and arthrospores. The specimen was cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) with and without cycloheximide. Microscopic description of the growth was done by Lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) staining. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done by E strip method using Rosewell Park memorial institute (RPMI) media for Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Griseofulvin and Terbinane. Results: Out of 200 samples, the commonest age group affected was between (21-30 yrs) 39.5%. Female to male ratio was 2.5:1.6. Tinea corporis was 63% and tinea cruris 27%. The commonest species isolated was Trichophyton rubrum 47.5%. Antifungal susceptibility test – Most susceptible to Itraconazole 81.4% and resistant to Griseofulvin 67.9%. Conclusions: Dermatophytosis is prevalent in high temperature zones. Most common isolates were T. rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in tinea cruris and tinea corporis respectively, they were most susceptible to Itraconazole and resistant to Griseofulvin. Resistance pattern of antifungal drugs helps in deciding empirical therapy for patient's better outcome.