Skin infections in Egyptian renal transplant recipients

The risk of skin infections in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) has been described previously; however, it differs markedly by ethnic groups, skin type, and geographical location. We investigated the prevalence and nature of skin infections in a large series of RTRs in our locality in Egypt.

A total 302 RTRs (216 males and 86 females) were included in this study. They were screened for the presence of bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections depending on clinical signs, Woods lamp examinations, culture, and biopsy if indicated. The patients were compared with 300 healthy controls matched for age and sex (200 males and 100 females).

We found 191 (63.25%) RTRs had some kind of skin infection. Folliculitis (10.3%), tinea versicolor (30.1%), dermatophytosis (19.5%), and onychomycosis (7.6%) were statistically significantly more common in RTRs compared with control subjects.

Our RTRs have higher prevalence rates of folliculitis and superficial fungal infections than the healthy population and they should be searched for in every patient with renal transplantation to ensure early treatment and avoid complications. Low-dose ketoconazole should be considered in renal transplant populations with high rates of superficial fungal infections, as it may reduce risk of such infections.