Dermatophytoses in Davangere

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dermatophytoses are common superficial fungal infections affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
• Understanding the epidemiological characteristics and etiological agents of dermatophytoses is crucial for effective public health management and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a mycological investigation of dermatophytosis cases.
• To analyze the age and sex incidence, clinical variations, and seasonal trends of dermatophytosis.
• To identify the predominant dermatophyte species causing infections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 130 cases of dermatophytosis over one year.
• Direct microscopic examination for initial diagnosis.
• Fungal culture for species identification from positive cases.

Main Results:

• Infections were most prevalent in the 11-50 age group, with a higher incidence in males.
• Tinea glabrosa was the most common clinical presentation (89.24%), followed by tinea capitis (6.93%).
• Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant etiological agent isolated in 81.82% of cultured cases, followed by Epidermophyton floccosum (9.09%).

Conclusions:

• Dermatophytosis affects a broad adult age range, with a notable predilection for males.
• Tinea glabrosa is the leading clinical form, and Trichophyton rubrum is the primary causative species in this study cohort.
• These findings underscore the importance of accurate mycological diagnosis for targeted treatment of fungal skin infections.