A study of dermatophytosis in patients attending dermatology outdoor patient department at a tertiary care center

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissue caused by dermatophytes. The dermatophytes are included in three fungal genera: Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. The infections caused by dermatophytes are known as ringworm or tinea infections. Although there are increasing numbers of antifungals available for the treatment of dermatophytes, some cases and relapses have been unresponsive to treatment. The aim and objectives of the present study are to identify the dermatophyte species causing superficial fungal infections and study their susceptibility to antifungals.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 clinically diagnosed cases of dermatophytosis of patients attending the dermatology outdoor patient department were studied. The samples of these patients were collected and processed for microscopic examination and fungal culture. The causative dermatophytes were isolated and identified. Antifungal susceptibility testing of dermatophytes was done by Epsilometer strip minimum inhibitory concentration method against antifungal agents – fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine.RESULTS: The most common clinical presentation in patients found was tinea corporis. Maximum dermatophyte isolates obtained on culture were Trichophyton rubrum. On antifungal susceptibility testing, terbinafine showed good results compared to azoles.CONCLUSION: Antifungal susceptibility testing of dermatophytes could be performed to study response and assist clinicians in choosing an effective therapy for patients.