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Onychomycosis in Northern Greece during 1994-1998
T Koussidou1, D Devliotou-Panagiotidou, G Karakatsanis
1Mycological Laboratory, State Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. shsvd@otenet.gr
Mycoses
|February 22, 2002
Summary
This study analyzed 2766 cases of onychomycoses (nail fungus) in Greece. Dermatophytes were the primary cause of toenail infections, while yeasts predominated in fingernail infections, with women being more frequently affected.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Onychomycosis, a common fungal nail infection, affects a significant patient population.
- Understanding the etiological agents and demographic distribution is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and causative agents of onychomycosis in patients attending a skin and venereal diseases hospital in Greece.
- To analyze the differences in fungal isolates between toenail and fingernail infections and by gender.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of mycological laboratory records from 1994-1998.
- Inclusion of 2766 patients diagnosed with onychomycosis.
- Identification of fungal pathogens including dermatophytes, yeasts, and moulds.
Main Results:
- Onychomycosis accounted for 20% of all mycological examinations (2766/13957 patients).
- Women constituted 67% of onychomycosis cases.
- Dermatophytes were the most common cause of toenail infections (72.3%), whereas yeasts predominated in fingernail infections (72%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a higher prevalence of onychomycosis in women.
- Significant differences exist in the etiological agents causing toenail versus fingernail infections.
- Findings underscore the importance of accurate mycological diagnosis for targeted antifungal therapy.