Epidemiological profile of dermatophytes at the parasitology-mycology laboratory at Mohammed VI University Hospital in Oujda.

Background: dermatophytoses are a current fungal infection, caused by keratinophilic fungi (dermatophytes) able to invade the nails, hair and skin of humans and animals.

Aim: the aim of this study was to establish the epidemiological and mycological profile of dermatophytes isolated in the parasitology-mycology laboratory of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Oujda.

Methods: this is a 48-month retrospective study from January 2019 to December 2022.The study includes samples taken or sent to our parasitology-mycology laboratory for mycological study. A direct examination and culture were performed on each biological specimen. Species identification was based on macroscopic and microscopic colony criteria.

Results: in the present report we reviewed 950 mycological samples. Dermatophytes were isolated in 505 (53.15%) cases. The most common infections were tinea unguium (n=353; 69.90%), followed by tinea corporis (n=123; 5.74%) and tinea capitis (n=29; 5.98%). Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently incriminated species.

Conclusion: dermatophytes are the most frequent mycoses in humans. They are generally benign and often develop in a chronic and frequently recurrent pattern. Mycological examination is essential. It confirms the fungal origin and isolates the species responsible, in order to identify the source of contamination and implement an appropriate treatment.