Prevalence, Etiology, and Risk Factors of Tinea Pedis and Tinea Unguium in Tunisia

Abstract

Background Foot mycoses are a frequent disease that represents a public health problem worldwide. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the epidemiology of foot mycoses among Tunisian patients, in order to determine the fungal etiological agents and to identify possible risk factors. Patients and Methods A prospective study of three hundred and ninety-two patients was undertaken during one year (2013-2014). All subjects were asked to collect demographic data related to the risk factors of foot mycoses. A complete mycological diagnosis was carried out on all patients. Results A total of 485 samples were collected; tinea pedis and tinea unguium were confirmed in 88.2% of cases. Dermatophytes were isolated in 70.5% and the most frequent pathogen was Trichophyton rubrum (98.1%), followed by yeasts (17.7%) commonly Candida parapsilosis. Non-dermatophyte molds (NDMs) were observed in 8.02% cases and Fusarium sp. was the frequent genus (29.1%). The main predisposing factors of fungal foot infections were practicing ritual washing (56.6%) and frequentation of communal showers (50.5%). Conclusion This is a recent survey of foot mycoses in Tunisia. Epidemiological studies can be useful to eradicate these infections and to provide further measures of hygiene and education.

Epidemiology of Dermatophytes and Non Dermatophyte Molds among Patients Attending Rank Higher Specialized Dermatology Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

“…This was in line with a study conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 42.6% [9]. This occurrence is due to that; Ethiopia is a tropical country with wet humid climate, large population size, and low socioeconomic status and this is supported by other studies conducted on dermatophytosis etiologies and risk factors [9,15,16,34].…”

“…Tinea unguium 51/318(16%) was observed mainly on the age of 25-44; 19/51(30.1%) ( Table 3). Since onychomycosis infections in children is not common due to many reasons such as; rapid growth of the nail, have less exposure to fungal infection risk factors than adults such as pedicure and manicure repeated aggressiveness, frequent housework and cosmetic reasons [16,29].…”

In vitro biofilms and antifungal susceptibility of dermatophyte and non‐dermatophyte moulds involved in foot mycosis

“…brevicaulis and Aspergillus spp . can be incriminated but in low rates . The first step in the treatment of tinea pedis and tinea unguium is to make precise diagnosis in order to provide the appropriate antifungal agent.…”

“…can be incriminated but in low rates. 22,[28][29][30] The first step in the treatment of tinea pedis and tinea unguium is to make precise diagnosis in order to provide the appropriate antifungal agent. Recently, the therapy of foot mycosis represents a major challenge; frequent failures and recurrent infections are observed, [31][32][33] inappropriate selection of antifungal agents in addition to inadequate Although, many systemic antifungal drugs have also been associated with some adverse side effects such as headache, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting), skin rash and impotency 34,35 and for this reason it is important that therapy be preceded by drug sensitivity tests.…”

Use of Antifungal Creams in the Combined Treatment of Obliterating Diseases of Lower Extremities Arteries

“…The most common pathogens of dermatomycosis and onychomycosis are Trichophyton rubrum and Candida parapsilosis, accounting for about 85-90% of all possible causes [9,10]. These pathogens are sensitive to the topical local antifungal drugs such as miconazole, clotrimazole, and tioconazole, which were used in this study.…”