The occurrence of dermatophytes in Slovakia

J Buchvald1, M Simaljaková

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, J. A. Komenský University, Bratislava, Slovakia.

Mycoses
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Epidemiology of fungal skin infections in Slovakia shifted between 1956-1992. Trichophyton rubrum infections rose, while Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum canis infections declined.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Epidemiology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Dermatophytoses represent a significant public health concern globally.
  • Understanding epidemiological trends is crucial for effective disease management.
  • Slovakia has a documented history of dermatophytosis surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze and compare the epidemiological patterns of dermatophytoses in Slovakia.
  • To identify shifts in the prevalence of specific causative fungal agents over time.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective epidemiological study.
  • Comparison of dermatophytosis data from two distinct time periods: 1956-1985 and 1986-1992.
  • Analysis of etiological agents, focusing on Trichophyton and Microsporum species.

Main Results:

  • A notable increase in infections attributed to Trichophyton rubrum was observed.
  • A concurrent decrease in the incidence of Trichophyton verrucosum infections was documented.
  • A decline in infections caused by Microsporum canis was also recorded.

Conclusions:

  • The epidemiology of dermatophytoses in Slovakia has undergone significant changes.
  • Trichophyton rubrum has emerged as a more prevalent dermatophyte.
  • Shifts in causative agents necessitate updated public health strategies for fungal infections.

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