Publication:

Studying the clinic mycological pattern of the dermatophytic infection attending OPD in tertiary care hospital in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Background Superficial dermatophytic infection is infection of skin nail or hair with fungus. Nowadays, these fungal infection are at a rise and run a prolong course despite of treatment due to resistance to conventional antifungal agents. There is a felt need to conduct epidemiological study to know the change in the pattern and cause of widespread resistance. This study was aimed at identifying clinico-mycological pattern of dermatophytic infections in patients attending the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining area.

Methods Patients with suspected dermatophytoses attending the outpatient department were enrolled in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination and sample collection for mycological examinations was done.

Results There were 500 patients recruited in the study, with a male: female ratio of 3:1. The most commonly affected age group was 20–30 years (35%). Tinea corporis et cruris was the most common type observed (31%). Potassium hydroxide positivity was seen in 390 samples (78%) and culture positivity was found in 350 samples (70%). The most common species identified was Trichophyton verrucosum (35.5%).

Conclusions There is a rise in dermatophytic infection caused by zoophilic species like Trichophyton verrucousum.