NON DERMATOPHYTIC FUNGAL INFECTIONS AMONGST THE DERMATOPHYTOSIS - A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Background: Dermatophytosis is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Methods: 100 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis were subjected to mycological examination with microscopy and culture using 10% KOH and Sabouraud’s dextrose Agar(SDA)and Dermatophyte test medium(DTM). Results: Direct microscopy revealed fungal elements in 49% cases and 55% were positive on culture and included all cases positive by KOH. Commonest age group affected was between 21-40 years and males outnumbered females 2.2:1. Among 55% positive cases; 65.5% were non dermatophytic molds (NDMs) or fungi and 34.5% were dermatophytes. Among the NDMs the isolated species were Aspergillus niger (14.5% ), Aspergillus flavus (18.2%), Candida albicans (12.7%), Candida tropicalis (5.5%), Fusarium spp (7.3% ), Mucor spp. (5.5%) and Acremonium spp. (1.8%). Conclusion:: The isolated NDMs are to be evaluated as primary pathogen causing dermatophytosis in absence of any underlying predisposing factor and need to be considered important for treatment as to reduce the morbidity and psychological stress among such patient