Dermatophytoses and spectrum of dermatophytes in patients attending a teaching hospital in Western Rajasthan, India

Introduction: About 20-25% of the world's populations are infected with dermatophyte and the incidence of the disease is increasing steadily. In India, the cause of dermatophytoses is adversely influenced by economic factors such as poverty, poor hygiene and social conditions like overcrowding. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, etiological agents, and distribution patterns of the disease among the patients attending a teaching hospital, Jodhpur. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the Department of Microbiology and Department of Dermatology of a teaching hospital, Jodhpur from January 2017 to May 2018. The microbiological records of potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount examination and the fungal culture report of skin, hair, and nail samples during the study period were analyzed. Results: A total 363 skin, hair, and nail samples were received for fungal culture as investigations requested by dermatologist. Out of total 363 samples, KOH mount was positive in 58.4% and the culture was positive in 44.07% cases. Dermatophyte was isolated in 40.22% cases. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the predominant dermatophyte (55%) isolated followed by T. tonsurans (22.5%) and T. rubrum (6.25%). Conclusion: The present study gives an insight about the prevalence and distribution pattern of dermatophytoses in Jodhpur, India. Tinea corporis was the most commonly diagnosed clinical condition followed by Tinea cruris. T. mentagrophytes was implicated as the predominating species.