Abstract :
Background: Dermatophytes are group of fungi that infect keratinized tissue. The group consist of
three different genera i.e. Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton, which are distributed around
the world. Therefore, the infection of Tinea (dermatophytosis) are one of the most common superficial
infections worldwide. Dermatophytes may lead to acute or chronic diseases with high morbidity but not
mortality.
Aim & Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of dermatophytosis,
isolate and identify the dermatophyte from samples of clinically suspected cases.
Materials and Methods: A total of 220 patients showing lesions typical of dermatophytes infection from
outpatient Department of Dermatology were send to Mycology Unit , Department of Microbiology for
the period of December 2018 to September 2019 were studied. Diagnosis was confirmed by conventional
methods like microscopic, macroscopic examination and culture.
Result: Out of 220 KOH mount 61 (27.72%) were found positive. Culture on SDA there were SDA 61
(27.72%) culture positive, 59 (26.81%) DTM culture positive and isolated spp were T. rubrum 39 (17.72%)
and T. mentagrophytes 20 (9.06%).
Conclusion : Dermatophytosis are distributed worldwide with the increased incidence especially in
a tropical country like India. Several factors such as age, sex, illiteracy, poor hygiene, and social
economy influence the dermatophyte infection. This study shows that the epidemiological status of the
dermatophytes. Tinea corporis (48.65%) was predominant fungal infection in which dermatophytes were
isolated. T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes have been major etiological agents.
Keyword :
Dermatophytes, Tinea, Superficial mycoses.