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Current mycological profile of onychomycosis in Kashmir valley: A hospital-based study
1Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Introduction:
Onychomycosis is a common nail ailment associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity. It is caused by dermatophytes, nondermatophytic molds, and yeasts. Increased prevalence in the recent years is attributed to enhanced longevity, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, avid sports participation, and emergence of HIV.
Aims And Objectives:
This study was undertaken to identify the mycological profile and etiological agents associated with this infection.
Materials And Methods:
One hundred and twenty-nine cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis were included in this study. Clinical patterns were noted, and samples collected from most severely affected nail. They were subjected to direct microscopy and culture.
Results:
The microscopic and/or culture examination was positive in 64.34% of cases. The most common clinical type was distal lateral subungual onychomycosis in 42 (50.60%) Candida sp. was the most common fungal agent among yeasts, followed by Trichophyton sp among dermatophytes and Aspergillus among nondermatophytic molds. Females were affected more than males and fingernails were affected more frequently than toenails.
Conclusion:
Onychomycosis is a significant and important disease which can cause many physical, physiological, and occupational problems, considerably impairing patient quality of life. Hence, fungal cultures are of paramount importance in all suspected cases of onychomycosis because the antifungal agent with an appropriate spectrum of activity can only be used if the underlying fungal pathogen is identified correctly.
Insights
Onychomycosis, a common nail infection, is often caused by yeasts like Candida, dermatophytes such as Trichophyton, and molds like Aspergillus. Accurate fungal identification through cultures is crucial for effective treatment and improved patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Onychomycosis is a prevalent nail infection causing physical and psychological distress.
- Its incidence is rising due to factors like increased lifespan, diabetes, and HIV.
- The infection can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and nondermatophytic molds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mycological profile of onychomycosis.
- To identify the specific etiological agents responsible for nail infections.
Main Methods:
- 129 clinically suspected onychomycosis cases were analyzed.
- Nail samples underwent direct microscopy and fungal culture.
- Clinical patterns of infection were documented.
Main Results:
- Microscopic or culture examination confirmed infection in 64.34% of cases.
- Distal lateral subungual onychomycosis was the most frequent clinical type (50.60%).
- Candida spp. (yeasts), Trichophyton spp. (dermatophytes), and Aspergillus spp. (molds) were the predominant pathogens. Females and fingernails were more commonly affected.
Conclusions:
- Onychomycosis significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
- Accurate identification of fungal pathogens via culture is essential for targeted antifungal therapy.
- Fungal cultures are vital for effective onychomycosis management.
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