Dermatophyte infections in Melbourne: trends from 1961/64 to 1995/96

A comparison of dermatophyte infections, diagnosed by specimens sent to the laboratory, between 1961/64 and 1995/96 revealed two major trends, namely the site of clinical disease and the types of dermatophytes causing tinea infections. There was a marked decrease in scalp specimens submitted. Pedal disease and nail infections remained the predominant entities. There was a marked increase in Trichophyton rubrum isolations, such that T. rubrum now accounts for 69.5% of all dermatophyte infections. Possible causes for these trends include altered hygiene standards, changing immigration patterns and the availability, restrictions and diagnostic requirements for the prescription of various antifungal drugs over this time period.