Abstract :
Introduction: Dermatophytoses are a group of superficial fungal infections of keratinized tissues. Though they do not cause mortality they cause morbidity and pose a major public health problem especially in tropical countries like India.
Objectives: The present study is done to know the prevalence of dermatophytes and to identify the causative agents in Hyderabad area.
Materials and Methods: A total of 180 samples were collected for a period of 1 year from infected skin, hair, and nails. Samples were collected under aseptic conditions and were then subjected to direct microscopy by KOH mount and culture on SDA.
Results: Dermatophytes were seen more in males (126/180). Direct microscopy by KOH mount revealed presence of fungal elements in (144/180) of samples. T.mentagrophytes was the most predominant isolate followed by T.rubrum and T.violaceum.
Conclusion: Dermatophytic infections are worldwide in distribution with superficial mycoses being more prevalent in India where heat and moisture play an important role. Dermatophytosis has been reported throughout the year in the present study locality and an increase in prevalence of certain species was found.
Keyword :
Dermatophytoses, Keratinophilic fungi, Trichophyton species.