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Non-dermatophytic molds as agents of onychomycosis in Izmir, Turkey - a prospective study

S Hilmioğlu-Polat1, D Y Metin, R Inci

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Clinical Microbiology, Mycology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. hilmiog@med.ege.edu.tr

Mycopathologia
|September 20, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi cause nearly 10% of onychomycosis cases. Careful laboratory evaluation of multiple nail scrapings is crucial for diagnosing mold onychomycosis, distinguishing it from contaminants.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is a common nail infection.
  • Non-dermatophytic molds are increasingly recognized as causative agents.
  • Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi causing onychomycosis.
  • To identify the specific mold species involved in nail infections.
  • To establish diagnostic criteria for mold onychomycosis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 1,222 nail scrapings from 1,146 patients with suspected onychomycosis.
  • Conventional mycological procedures including KOH preparations and three consecutive cultures.
  • Strict criteria for diagnosing mold onychomycosis, excluding dermatophytes and yeasts.

Main Results:

  • Non-dermatophytic molds were identified in 9% of cases.
  • Dermatophytes accounted for 48% and yeasts for 41% of infections.
  • Aspergillus niger, Acremonium spp., and Fusarium spp. were the most frequent mold agents.

Conclusions:

  • Non-dermatophytic molds are significant causative agents of onychomycosis, responsible for approximately 10% of cases.
  • Distinguishing mold onychomycosis from laboratory contamination requires careful mycological assessment.
  • Repeated cultures from consecutively collected nail samples are vital for accurate diagnosis.

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