Related Experiment Videos
Tinea unguium in Lahore, Pakistan
S Aman1, T S Haroon, I Hussain
1Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical College/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. dderma@paknet4.ptc.pk
Medical Mycology
|May 11, 2001
Summary
Mycological cultures confirmed 26% of suspected tinea unguium cases, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common dermatophyte. Nail fungal infections require mycological confirmation for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea unguium, a fungal nail infection, is often clinically misdiagnosed.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the etiological agents of clinically suspected tinea unguium.
- To assess the reliability of clinical diagnosis versus mycological confirmation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 202 clinically suspected tinea unguium cases over 1 year.
- Mycological cultures were performed for dermatophyte confirmation.
- Clinical presentation and affected nails were documented.
Main Results:
- 53 out of 202 (26%) cases were confirmed mycologically.
- Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant isolate (87%).
- Infections were more prevalent in adult males, affecting fingernails more than toenails.
Conclusions:
- Clinical diagnosis of tinea unguium has low reliability.
- Mycological confirmation is essential for accurate diagnosis and management of fungal nail infections.