Current Trends of Dermatophytosis in Eastern Odisha

Background  Dermatophytes are fungi parasitizing structures rich in keratin such as skin, hair, and nail, which leads to a dermal inflammatory response with intense itching and cosmetic disfigurement. The climatic condition of eastern India is predominantly hot and humid with severe rainfalls promoting fungal infection. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis and to isolate and identify the dermatophyte from clinically suspected cases attending tertiary care center. Methodology  This study was conducted from April 2018 to March 2019 and a total of 1,200 samples were included. Skin scrapings were collected and examined microscopically using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount. Culture was performed using Sabouraud dextrose agar and dermatophyte test medium. Speciation was done based on macroscopic and microscopic findings using lactophenol cotton blue staining and some special tests like urease test and slide culture. Results  Of 1,200 cases, tinea corporis was the most common clinical presentation. Direct KOH positivity was 89.4% and culture positivity was 61.75%. Trichophyton mentagrophyte (77.5%) was the most common dermatophyte isolated followed by Trichophyton rubrum (13.3%). Conclusion  Dermatophytic infections are not serious but their propensity to persist leading to chronicity and disfigurement may have personal and social implications.