Dermatophyte Infections in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Rising global prevalence of dermatophyte infections, particularly in tropical regions like India.
• Observed changes in clinical patterns and mycological profiles of pediatric dermatophytosis.
• Increasing burden of skin fungal infections in children necessitates updated epidemiological data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the determinants, clinical trends, and health burden of dermatophytosis in pediatric patients.
• To identify the most common etiological agents and clinical presentations of pediatric dermatophytosis.
• To analyze the shift in clinical presentation and mycological profile of pediatric dermatophytosis.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 153 children under 15 with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis.
• Collection of detailed patient history, including lesion duration and prior treatments.
• Microscopic examination (KOH mount) and fungal culture of collected specimens (skin scrapings, hair, nail clippings).

Main Results:

• The 13-15 year age group was most affected.
• Tinea corporis was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by tinea capitis.
• *Trichophyton mentagrophytes* (62.8%) and *Trichophyton rubrum* (23.1%) were the predominant isolated species.

Conclusions:

• *Trichophyton mentagrophytes* is the leading cause of pediatric dermatophytosis in the studied population.
• A notable shift in clinical presentation is observed, with larger and more extensive lesions.
• Findings underscore the need for updated diagnostic and treatment strategies for pediatric dermatophytosis.