Clinicomycological profile of dermatophytosis in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Vadodara

Dermatophytosis is the most common type of cutaneous fungal infection seen in man infecting the superficial keratinized layer of the skin, hair and nails. The aim of the study is to isolate and identify the dermatophytes from clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis, to determine the frequency of occurrence of various species of dermatophytes, to know the prevalence of age and sex of dermatophytosis in the locality. : The present study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Medical College and SSG Hospital, Vadodara. A total of 150 clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis were taken for this study. Skin, hair and nail samples were aseptically collected and were subjected to KOH mount examination and culture. Differentiation of the dermatophyte species was performed based on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of culture and physiological test including urease test. : Tinea corporis (41.3%) was the commonest clinical type with a male to female ratio of 1.05:1. Out of these samples, dermatophytes were isolated in 108 cases with the overall isolation rate of 72%. Seven species of dermatophytes were isolated. 53 (49.1%) was the commonest species followed by 22(20.4%). : Identifying dermatophyte species and knowledge of their host preference and ecology play an important role in treating the patient. Correct and efficient laboratory methods for diagnosis of dermatophytosis is the need of the hour to provide correct and timely treatment and prevent the further spread and chronicity of the disease.