The Prevalence of CutaneousTricophyton Spp in Patients with Skin Mycosis in Babylon Province

Background: Trichophyton is a keratinophilic filamentous fungus which has the ability to invade keratinized tissues thus; it is considered as one of the leading causes of hair, skin, and nail infections in humans. Most of the Trichophyton species have teleomorphic forms and these teleomorphs are classified under genus ArthrodermaObgective: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Tricophyton spp.infection among patients with skin mycosis in Alhella, the center of Babylon Province.Subject and Methods: During the period from Oct. /2010 to May. /2011, a total of 972 specimens (Skin scraping and nail were collected from patients attending the out-patient clinic for dermatology and venereal diseases in Babylon General Hospital. Direct microscopical examination and culture were done for specimens. Identification of Tricophyton spp. based on standard cultural and biochemical criteria. All data were statistically analyzed according to Chi-Square and Kolmogrov-smirnovz (P