Geographical Distribution of Species on Etiologic Fungi of Dermatophytosis in Northeast China

A survey of dermatophytes isolated from patients was made from 1980 to 1996 in Northeast China. We analyzed 2031 strains of dermatophytes, which are positive in culture in 3 provinces (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning): 742 strains were obtained from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital of Heilongjiang (1980-1993), 846 strains from the 2nd Hospital of Bethuene Medical University (1986-1989), and 443 strains from the People's Hospital of Liaoning Province (1989-1996).The result of the survey indicated that the main etiologic fungus of dermatophytosis in Northeast China was T. rubrum 1163 strains (57.26%), T. mentagrophytes 402 (19.79%), M. canis 296 (14.57%), E. floccosum 100 (4.92%), T. verrucosum 28 (1.38%), M. ferrugineum 10 (0.49%), M. gypseum 10 (0.49%), T. schoenleinii 4 (0.20%), T. tonsurans 3 (0.15%), and the root 15 strains were Candida albicans (4) Aspergillus (7), Penicillum (2) and Alternaria (2).The first 3 species are basically the same as those in Beijing, Tianjing, and Taiyuan. M. canis is rarely seen in Huanan, Huazhong, and Qinghai. However, T. verrucosum is notably influenced by geographical factors. Kerion celsi and sycosis trichophytica are caused by T. verrucosum (43.75%) in Heilongjiang. T. verrucosum is hardy and can live in cold areas. It once exploded simultaneously in human and animals in Hellongjiang, Xinjiang, and NingXia China.