A Prospective Study On Prevalence of Superficial Fungal Infections In Dermatology Department In A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital In Telangana State

ABSTRACT A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching Hospital, to study the prevalence of superficial fungal infection and related risk factors through clinical diagnosis and to monitor the management of observed superficial fungal infections. Patients diagnosed with superficial fungal infections were selected for the study. Being familiar with the local epidemiology of fungal infections and knowledge of risk factors involved can guide use of antifungal drugs. Appropriate antifungal therapy improves outcomes. Tracking epidemiology helps to detect outbreaks and new risks. Data was collected from case sheets of the patients in a specially designed patient data collection form which include information on demographic characteristics viz. age, sex, clinical signs and symptoms, chief complaints of the patients, drugs used previously if any, drugs given etc. Data was analyzed to find out prevalence and risk factors.100 patients were included with age above 18 years, of which 46.6% were females and 53.4% were males. The most affected age group with superficial fungal infections was from 26-30 years in both males and females. Among all the causative organisms of superficial fungal infections, majority were caused by Tinea corporis (29%) followed by Tinea capitis (28%) and Tinea cruris (25%). Skin was the most affected site of superficial fungal infections followed by scalp, itching being the major symptom followed by redness at the site. In our study, farmers were the most affected socioeconomic group as the exposure of them to the causative organisms is greater. Keywords: Superficial fungal infection, prevalence, risk factors, Tinea corporis, Tinea capitis , Tinea cruris