Dermatophytes in the rural area of Duzce, Turkey

A total of 227 subjects (112 were male and 115 female), who were residents of the rural region of Duzce, were examined for dermatomycosis. A total of 120 samples (47 nail fragments, 73 skin scales) were collected from 81 patients for mycological analysis on the basis of the results of clinical evaluation. All specimens collected were analysed by direct microscopy and culture. Positive results were detected in the cultures of 53 (44.1%) of the 120 samples. About 46 (86.7%) samples also presented positive results in direct microscopy. In the cases of seven samples positive results were found in culture and negative results with direct microscopy. Both culture and direct microscopy presented negative results in 67 (55.8%) samples. The most frequently isolated aetiological agents were 33 Trichophyton rubrum (62.2%), and nine T. mentagrophytes (16.9%). In conclusion, traditional and religious habits such as cohabitation and performing ritual ablutions may affect the prevalence of dermatophyte infections. The performance of ritual ablutions is not in itself a risk factor for acquiring dermatophyte infection; rather it is not drying the extremities after ablutions, that is the main risk factor for this group. Tinea capitis was not found in any of the subjects in spite of the fact that it is one of the most common infectious conditions in children. This is the first paper to report the prevalence of fungal infections in Duzce, a western Black Sea region of Turkey.