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Isolation of dermatophytes from footwear with adhesive tape strips
Abstract:
In a study of 34 patients with clinically active tinea pedis it was possible to isolate the responsible dermatophyte from the patients footwear with adhesive tape strips in 41% of the cases. Overgrowth of contaminants was found in most of the rest of the cases. Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant species isolated.
Insights
Footwear contamination is common in tinea pedis (athlete's foot) cases. Dermatophytes, primarily Trichophyton rubrum, were isolated from 41% of patient footwear, highlighting a potential transmission source.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Tinea pedis, a common fungal infection of the feet, can be persistent and recurrent.
- Footwear is frequently implicated as a reservoir for dermatophyte transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of dermatophyte contamination in the footwear of patients with active tinea pedis.
- To identify the predominant fungal species responsible for infection and present in footwear.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 34 patients with clinically active tinea pedis.
- Isolation of dermatophytes from footwear using adhesive tape strips.
- Identification of fungal species.
Main Results:
- Dermatophytes were successfully isolated from the footwear of 41% of the patients.
- Contaminant overgrowth was observed in the majority of the remaining samples.
- Trichophyton rubrum was identified as the most frequently isolated dermatophyte species.
Conclusions:
- Footwear serves as a significant reservoir for dermatophytes in patients with tinea pedis.
- Trichophyton rubrum is a predominant etiological agent in these infections.
- Understanding footwear contamination is crucial for effective tinea pedis management and prevention of recurrence.
