Onychomycosis in Two Populations with Different Socioeconomic Resources in an Urban Nucleus: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Onychomycosis is one of the most common foot conditions. Mixed onychomycosis and onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophyte moulds are increasing in incidence, especially in vulnerable populations, hence the importance of this study, which presents the prevalence of onychomycosis in a population of homeless people, comparing the findings with a sample of a well-resourced population. The total sample consisted of 70 participants, divided into two separate groups, a homeless population and a second group in which we included people attending a private clinic. The average age of the sample is [49.19 ± 28.81] with an age range of 18 to 78 years). In the homeless group, the most prevalent infectious agents were non-dermatophyte fungi, with a total of 48%, compared to 28% in the group housed. The most common site of infection in both groups was the nail of the first finger. We, therefore, conclude that there is a difference in the infecting agent in the homeless population and the population with homes.

In Vitro and Ex Vivo Biofilm-Forming Ability of Rhinocladiella similis and Trichophyton rubrum Isolated from a Mixed Onychomycosis Case

“…with a Rhodotorula spp. [22]. It is worth mentioning that R. similis was not identified from nail scales in any of these cases.…”

Global prevalence of onychomycosis in general and special populations: An updated perspective

“…Sufficient data were available to compare the prevalence of NDM onychomycosis in clinically suspected patients who underwent single ( n = 81,515) or repeat sampling ( n = 32,171) 16,50–112 . Across both Global North and Global South regions, results from studies where single sampling is performed showed a higher degree of variability compared to studies that utilized the recommended repeat sampling approach (Figure 3).…”