Dermatophyte Infections in Primorsko-Goranska County, Croatia: a 21-year Survey

This study examined the frequency of dermatophytoses in the Primorsko-Goranska County, a north-western part of Croatia, over a period of 21 years (1988-2008). All fungal samples were microscopically examined with 20% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution. Fungal infections were confirmed in 26.9% cases. Out of these, dermatophytes were isolated in 38.3%, Candida spp. infection in 55.1% cases, while non-dermatophyte molds were identified in 6.6% isolates. The most frequently isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis (55.4%), followed by Mycrosporum (M.) canis (36.9%), T. violaceum (3.2%), M. gypseum (2.2%), and T. verrucosum (1.3%). Epidermophyton (E.) floccosum (0.9%) and T. rubrum (0.1%) were identified only sporadically. The most common dermatophytosis diagnosed in the 21-year period was tinea pedis (26.2%) followed by tinea capitis (21.8%) and tinea corporis (20.1%). Toenail onychomycosis (14.5%) was more common than fingernail onychomycosis (2.0%). T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis was the major pathogen causing tinea pedis (86.6%) as well as toenail onychomycosis (93.9%), while M. canis was most frequently isolated in tinea capitis (98.6%), tinea corporis (62.1%), and tinea faciei (40.2%). With regard to age and sex, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitalis infections were predominant in middle-aged men. M. canis affected mostly children up to 9 years with a slight predominance in girls. Data from epidemiological trend analysis such as presented in our study are important for evidence-based public health measures for the prevention and control of dermatophytoses.