The fungi responsible for dermatomycoses in Adana, Turkey [Grzybyodpowiedzialne za grzybice skóry w Adani w Turcji]

Background: Superficial mycoses are defined as the development of fungal growth on epithelial tissues such as human hair, skin or nails, without noticeable invasion of living tissues and without apparently provoking an immune response by the host. The causative agents of superficial mycoses are classified as dermatophytes, yeasts and some non-dermatophytic moulds. The isolation of aetiological agents of superficial mycoses would not only provide tho most efficient treatments but would also help to improve epidemiological, ethiological studies and prevent the diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the causative agents in patients with dermatomycoses in Adana, Turkey. Material and methods: In this study, superficial mycotic infections were investigated in 182 clinically suspected cases. The specimens of skin and nail scrapings were collected into paper packs, after cleaning the lesion with 70% alcohol. Mycological examination was carried out by direct examination cultural procedures. The clinical samples were treated with 15% potassium hydroxide to determine fungal elements. The samples were heated for a short time to increase the likelihood of observing the causative fungus. All of the samples were cultured on agar slants of Sabouraud glucose agar, potato dextrose agar and Mycobiotic agar. Cultures were incubated at 26°C for four weeks and growing colonies were recognized with appropriate technics. Results: Superficial mycoses were found in a total of 59 (32.4%) patients; 42 (71.2%) dermatophytosis 17 (28.8%) candidosis. Tinea pedis was the most common type of dermatophytoses onychomycoses was the most common type of candidosis. And also Trichophyton rubrum was the frequent causative agent followed by T. mentagrophytes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this study emphasizes that the causative agent of dermatomycoses should be diagnosed at a species level for the choice of suitable treatment and for efficient control of the infections