Profile of Dermatophytic infections in Government Tiruvannamalai medical college, Thiruvannamalai

Dermatophyte infections are extremely frequent worldwide and their epidemiological features vary according to the geographical area. Background: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis and the spectrum of ringworm fungi in patients attending a tertiary hospital. Materials & Methods: Samples were collected from 200 patients. A portion of each sample was examined microscopically and the remaining portion of each sample was cultured onto plates of Sabouraud’s dextrose agar containing chloramphenicol with and without cycloheximide. Dermatophyte isolates were identified by studying macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their colonies. Results: Out of 200 samples, fungi were detected in 148 (74%) by KOH while 158 (79%) samples were culture positive of which 130 isolates were dermatophytes. Among dermatophyte isolates T. rubrum was the most common (36 %) cause of infection. Tinea unguium was the predominant clinical manifestation accounting for 38% of the cases. T. rubrum was the most common pathogen in Tinea unguium and Tinea capitis, whereas T. mentagrophytes was the most common pathogen in tinea pedis. Conclusion: Further intensive epidemiological studies of dermatophytosis which have public health significance are needed.