Clinico Mycological Study of Superficial Mycoses

Background: Generally it is well established fact that geographical distribution of the fungi may change from time to time; hence this study was planned. Aim and Objectives: To analyze the prevalence of superficial mycoses, its clinical presentation and species identification of the fungal isolates responsible for the disease. Material and Methods: A total 125 clinically diagnosed cases of superficial mycoses visiting Dermatology and Venereology outpatient department of Bharati Hospital, Sangli, for a period of one year were included in the study. Specimens like skin scrapping, nail clipping, hair were collected and subjected to KOH mount and culture. Identification of species was done by macroscopic examination of culture, tease mount and other physiological tests including Urease test, Hair perforation tests and Germ tube test. Results: Superficial mycosis was more common in the age group of 21-30 years (28%) and in males (60.8%). The infection was more common in students (29.6%). Tinea corporis (42.4%) was the commonest clinical type followed by tinea cruris (22.4%). 61.6% cases were positive by direct microscopy and 60.8% cases showed culture positive. Out of 125 samples, dermatophytes were grown in 63 cases (82.89%) followed by non dermatophytic moulds in 10 cases (13.16%) and Candida albicans in 3 cases (3.95%). The most common isolate among dermtophytosis was T. rubrum (46.05%) followed by T. mentagrophyte (25%). Conclusion: It was concluded that along with dermatophytes, non dermatophytic moulds are also important to cause of superficial mycose