Mycological Pattern of Dermatomycoses in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background. Dermatomycoses are not diseases requiring compulsory notifications; rather they cause cosmetic defacements. Indian subcontinent with a varied topography is favorable for various fungal infections. Objective. To look for the epidemiological and mycological profile of superficial mycoses in North India. Methods. Three hundred and fifty-one clinical samples of skin, hair, and nail were examined to find the fungal etiology of the dermatomycoses. Results. Dermatomycoses were seen in 215/351 (61.2%) of cases. Most common isolates obtained were nondermatophyte molds (NDMs) (36.1%), followed by dermatophytes (13.8%) and yeasts (8.6%). Aspergillus niger (9%) was the most common mold. Trichophyton rubrum (4.6%) was the most common dermatophyte isolated, while amongst the yeasts Non-albicans Candida (NAC) species were more common (6%). Many other NDMs like Syncephalastrum spp., Cunninghamella spp., Rhodotorula spp., A. terreus, Scytalidium spp. and Scopulariopsis spp. were also isolated. Conclusion. Our study reflects an increasing role of NDMs (thought to be normal laboratory or environmental contaminants) as a causative agent of dermatomycoses, replacing the dermatophytes. Clinician's awareness of the demographic profile of the population involved along with more studies on dermatomycoses can help in understanding the etiological profile in area, leading to prevention of disease occurrence and cosmetic disfigurement.