| Dermatophyte fungi are keratinophilic pathogenic fungi which lead to superficial mycotic infection of dermatophytosis.
Although dermatophytes are not life threatening microbial agents but they are distributed around the world and cause
mycotic infections with high morbidity . Dermatophytosis is a disease of global significance caused by pathogenic
keratinolytic fungi called dermatophytes in both animals and humans. The recent taxonomy of dermatophytes classifies
them into six pathogenic genera, namely Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Nannizzia, Lophophyton and
Arthroderma. It is because of the delayed diagnostic nature and low accuracy of dermatophyte detection by conventional
methods that paved the path for the evolution of molecular diagnostic techniques, which provide the accurate and rapid
diagnosis of dermatophytosis for an appropriate, timely antifungal therapy that prevents the nonspecific over?the?counter
self?medication. The hot and humid climatic condition of central Karnataka promotes fungal infection. This study was done
to determine the most predominant species of Dermatophyte causing infection in this region, which helps in treatment.The
present cross-sectional observational study was conducted during September 2018 to February 2019.Samples were taken
from 225 patients with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis. Turn on the site of lesion, specimen collected from skin, hair
or nails were taken. These samples were than examined phenotypic methods.Out of 225 patients, 65% samples were
positive by Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) mount while 86% samples were positive by culture. Most frequent species of
dermatophytes recognized was Trichophytonrubrum followed by Trichophytonmentagrophytes. dermatophytic infection
mainly occurrence in Agricultural workers Males (61%) were more commonly affected than females
(39%).Dermatophytosis is infections seen generally in people who work in hot and humid conditions and those who
indulge in strenous work. Clothing patterns and personal hygiene also play an important role. By taking proper
precautionary measures the incidence and disease burden can be minimized. Our study, tineacorporis was initiate to be the
most frequent clinical type with T. rubrum being the commonest isolated species. Significant the resistance pattern of
antifungal drugs will lead the family physicians and medical officers working in peripheral regions to choose the proper
empirical therapy for better patient ending.ddd |
