A STUDY OF DERMATOMYCOSES

A total of 125 cases of clinically diagnosed dermatomycosis in patients attending the department of dermatology, Government General Hospital, Vijayawada were taken up for mycological study. Highest age incidence was in the age group of 31 - 40 years 33(26.4%). Females were more affected than males in a ratio of 1.1:1. The infection was more common in people belonging to low socio-economic status 92(73.6%). Among the clinically diagnosed dermatomycoses, Tinea corporis was more common in females followed by Tinea unguium and Tinea cruris in males. Among the males, Tinea capitis was more common in age group below 20, followed by Tinea facei in females in the age group of 11 – 20 years. Direct microscopy was positive in 88(70.4%) and culture was positive in 72(57.6%). The commonest aetiological agent for Tinea corporis was Trichophyton rubrum followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Out of 72 culture positive isolates, Trichophyton rubrum was 20(25%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes 15(18.75%), Trichophyton schoenleinii 5(6.25%), Trichophyton tonsurans 4(5%), Trichophyton verrucosum 2(2.5%), Trichophyton ajelloi 1(1.25%), Epidermophyton floccosum 3(3.75%) and Microsporum gypseum 2(2.5%). Of the total 80 isolates, 55 are Dermatophytes (23.75%) and the Non dermatophyte fungi are 25, of which 3 were Candida (3.75%) and 3 were Malassezia (3.75%). Trichophyton species was the most commonest aetiological agent in Dermatomycosis, among fungal infection of the skin in tropical countries like India. Other factors contributing to the prevalence of dermatomycoses was people in low socioeconomic status, with low literacy and poor personal hygiene.