Prevalence and spectrum of dermatophytes in patients attending a tertiary care hospital Srinagar, Kashmir

Background: Dermatophyte infections are a global health problem but very neglected in Kashmir. India. This work aimed at determining prevalence and spectrum of dermatophytosis isolated from patients attending tertiary care hospital Srinagar. Kashmir.Methods: A total of 510 samples of skin, hair and nail scrapings were collected and processed using standard microscopy (KOH) and cultural methods as per the standard protocol.Results: Out of 510 samples collected, 272 (53.33%) patients were confirmed cases of dermatophytosis (confirmed clinically and on fungal culture). The prevalence of dermatophytosis was significantly associated with age groups of participants with higher infection among those aged 18-32 which accounted for 35.29%, followed by age group 1-17 with 30.14%. Out of 510 samples, 110 ( 21.56%) were both KOH (microscopy) and culture positive, 162 (31.76%) cases were only culture positive and 130 (25.49%) clinical samples were only positive for fungal elements on microscopy. 133 (26.07%) fungal isolates were obtained which included both dermatophyte and non-dermatophytic fungi(excluded in this study). T. mentagrophytes had highest distribution 40.44% among dermatophytes species and T. Unguium 114 (41.96%) accounted for most common site for dermatophytic infections. Poor hygiene was predominant risk factor in 143 cases (52.57%). Patients from lower socioeconomic status were affected more than others (34.92%).Conclusions: In this study we have focused to determine the prevalence, clinical pattern and pathogenic profile of dermatophytosis according to the age, gender, site, and fungal distribution. Improvization of these conditions more accurately can result in decreased incidence of dermatophytosis in this area.

Clinicoepidemiological and mycological study of tinea capitis in the pediatric population of Kashmir valley: A study from a tertiary care centre

Background: Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection that predominantly affects the pediatric population. The etiological factors vary from region to region, and the exact incidence remains obscure. The clinicoepidemiological and mycological aspects of this dermatophytosis were studied in a tertiary care centre in Kashmir valley. Aim: To determine the clinicoepidemiological aspects and mycological findings of dermatophytes involved in tinea capitis cases in Kashmir valley. Materials and Methods: Wood's lamp examination, KOH examination, and fungal culture were performed in one hundred fifty clinically diagnosed cases of tinea capitis with patients' age upto 14 years over a period of 6 months. The epidemiological factors associated with the disease were also evaluated.Results: Tinea capitis was predominant in the 3–6 and 6–9 years age groups with a male preponderance. Grey patch tinea capitis was the most common variant. KOH positivity was 76%, and Trichophyton tonsurans was the most common fungal isolate. Conclusion: Tinea capitis is a very common fungal infection in our setting. Early detection and diagnosis is mandatory to prevent its spread in the community as well as the development of scarring alopecia in the affected individual