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Onychomycosis in Cali, Colombia.
Maria Inés Alvarez1, Luz Angela González, Luz Angela Castro
1Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia. malvarez@univalle.edu.co
Mycopathologia
|November 3, 2004
Summary
This study investigated fungal nail infections in Cali, finding onychomycosis in 61.2% of patients. Yeasts were the most common cause, particularly in fingernails and females, while dermatophytes predominated in toenails and males.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Epidemiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Nail lesions are common, necessitating epidemiological and etiological investigations.
- Accurate diagnosis of mycoses is crucial for effective treatment and public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological and mycological characteristics of fungal nail infections in Cali.
- To identify the prevalence and causative agents of onychomycosis in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings for mycotic structures.
- Fungal isolation and identification from nail samples.
- Analysis of 299 patients referred to diagnostic laboratories in Cali.
Main Results:
- Onychomycosis was diagnosed in 183 cases (61.2%).
- Yeasts (40.7%) were the predominant agents, followed by dermatophytes (38%) and nondermatophyte molds (14%).
- Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, Fusarium spp., and Scytalidium dimidiatum were the most frequently isolated species.
- Fungal etiology differed between fingernails (yeasts) and toenails (dermatophytes) (P=0.000088).
- Yeasts were more common in females, while dermatophytes were more prevalent in males (P=0.0064).
Conclusions:
- Fungal nail infections are prevalent in Cali, with yeasts and dermatophytes being the primary causative agents.
- Distinct etiological patterns exist for fingernail and toenail onychomycosis, with variations based on sex.
- These findings highlight the importance of laboratory diagnosis for targeted antifungal therapy.