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[Causative agents of onychomycosis--a retrospective study]
Claudia Mügge1, Uwe-Frithjof Haustein, Pietro Nenoff
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig.
Background:
Dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds all are potential causative agents of onychomycosis. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of cases of onychomycoses caused by each group. In addition, the responsible genus and species was identified for each nail infection.
Patients And Methods:
In a retrospective study performed at the Department of Dermatology of the Leipzig University, 5,077 nail samples from 4,177 patients--2,240 women and 1,937 men--with a variety of nail changes--not just onychomycosis--were investigated. 75% were toenails, 23% fingernails, and 2% from both sites.
Results:
Both microscopic and/or cultural detection of fungi (dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds) were successful in 54% of samples. Causative fungal agents were: 68% dermatophytes, 29% yeast, and 3% moulds. The most frequently detected dermatophyte species were T. rubrum (91%), and T. mentagrophytes (7.7%). Among yeasts, C. parapsilosis (42%) was most common,followed by C. guilliermondii (20.1%), C. albicans (14.2%), and Trichosporon spp. (10%). Scopulariopsis brevicaularis (43%) was the most frequent mould. The percentage of mixed fungal infections was 22%.
Conclusions:
Dermatophytes, in particular T.rubrum, but also T. mentagrophytes, are the most frequently isolated causative agents in onychomycosis. In addition, yeasts may be isolated relatively frequently, while moulds are uncommon.
Insights
Dermatophytes, particularly T. rubrum, are the most common cause of onychomycosis (nail fungal infections). Yeasts are also frequent culprits, while molds are rare in nail infections.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Onychomycosis, a common nail fungal infection, can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
- Accurate identification of causative agents is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of different fungal groups (dermatophytes, yeasts, molds) causing onychomycosis.
- To identify the specific genera and species responsible for nail infections in a large patient cohort.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 5,077 nail samples from 4,177 patients.
- Fungi were detected in 54% of samples, with dermatophytes (68%) being the most common, followed by yeasts (29%) and molds (3%).
- Key species identified include T. rubrum (dermatophyte), C. parapsilosis (yeast), and S. brevicaularis (mold).
Impact:
- This study highlights the predominant role of dermatophytes, especially T. rubrum, in onychomycosis.
- It underscores the significant contribution of yeasts and the infrequent occurrence of molds in nail fungal infections.
- Findings aid in understanding the etiological landscape of onychomycosis for improved clinical management.
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