Superficial mycoses, a matter of concern: Global and Indian scenario‐an updated analysis

Abstract

Superficial mycoses are the fungal infections restricted to the outermost non-living layers of the skin and its appendages viz., hair and nails. Their prevalence rate has been reported to be 20%-25% 1 and vary with respect to occupational groups, gender, age group, etc. These infections are more common in tropical as well as subtropical countries where heat, humidity and other favourable conditions aid in their acquisition and maintenance. Although superficial mycotic infections are usually limited to the skin and mucous membranes, these infections are hardly life-threatening but they have importance because of their worldwide distribution, morbidity and transmission from one person/animal to another.Over the last decades, it has been observed that an increasing number of non-dermatophytic fungi, like, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Scopulariopsis and Trichosporon, have also emerged as causal agents of superficial mycoses in humans, producing almost clinically similar lesions as caused by dermatophytes. 2,3 Although both dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes have been known to cause superficial mycoses all over the world, their incidence, distribution, prevalence, epidemiology, clinical manifestation and target hosts may vary from region to region. 4,5 In this review, more emphasis has been provided on information related to skin and hair infections.

Novel cases of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis by Alternaria alstromeriae, Epicoccum tritici and Phialemonium obovatum from North India

“…Recently, a review providing the insights of superficial mycosis highlighted the association between occupation and superficial fungal infections 60 . Likewise, in our study, the occupation of the investigated patients (Case 1, student; Case 2, army personnel and Case 3, housemaker) is likely to have a role in the acquisition of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis.…”

“…[56][57][58][59] Recently, a review providing the insights of superficial mycosis highlighted the association between occupation and superficial fungal infections. 60 Likewise, in our study, the occupation of the investigated patients (Case 1, student; Case 2, army personnel and Case 3, housemaker) is likely to have a role in the acquisition of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis. Moreover, during the study, some of the other predisposing factors, such as climatic conditions, lack of awareness regarding personal hygiene, frequent exposure to soil and dirt, and low socio-economic conditions were found to be mainly responsible for the cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in the patients.…”

CaCO3-based carriers with prolonged release properties for antifungal drug delivery to hair follicles

“…[1][2][3] Despite the growing prevalence of these infections, especially in the tropics and subtropics, research in this area has been often ignored, which leads to an ever-greater spread across the world and poses a therapeutic challenge to practitioners. 4 Superficial mycoses are mainly caused by dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum), pathogenic fungi that invade keratinized tissue such as skin, hairs, and nails. 5 Nowadays, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Microsporum canis act as the major pathogens among them.…”

Submission and Phylogenetical of Local Isolated Trichophyton interdigitale of Iraqi Patients in NCBI

“…If this infection has been misdiagnosed or has been delayed to diagnosis can lead to loss of vision 3 . Several studies have been done to know the incidence distribution in the different geographical areas of the world, including Iraq, specifically, Baghdad governarate, by Minnat and Jinan 4 , Jordan 5 , Kuwait and Saudi Arabia mentioned in previous study 6 .…”