Identification of fungi species in the onychomycosis of institutionalized elderly

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Cidia Vasconcellos1, Carolina Queiroz Moreira Pereira, Marta Cristina Souza

  • 1University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. cidiav@ig.com.br

Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia
|June 25, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identified common fungal agents causing onychomycosis in elderly individuals residing in nursing homes. The findings indicate that the prevalent fungi are similar to those found in the general population, suggesting no unique etiological differences in this demographic.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Superficial fungal infections, including onychomycosis, are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or filamentous fungi.
  • Infection severity depends on the causative agent, host immunity, lesion site, and tissue damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and identify the causative agents of onychomycosis in institutionalized elderly individuals (aged 60 and above).

Main Methods:

  • Collected nail and interdigital scales from 35 elderly individuals with suspected onychomycosis and 9 controls.
  • Utilized mycological examination, culture isolation, and microscopy for fungal identification.
  • Study conducted in two nursing homes in Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.

Main Results:

  • Onychomycosis was detected in 51.40% of nail scrapings.
  • Dermatophytes (44.40%) were the most common, including Trichophyton rubrum (27.78%).
  • Yeasts (38.89%) and filamentous fungi (16.70%) were also identified, with agents matching interdigital infections.

Conclusions:

  • Combined identification methods revealed no significant difference in onychomycosis etiology between institutionalized elderly and the general population.
  • The study successfully identified common fungal pathogens responsible for onychomycosis in this specific elderly cohort.

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