IntroductionSuperficial mycosis is one of the most common diseases worldwide, however its epidemiology is changing over time.AimTo present epidemiological data of the skin fungal infections diagnosed in the years 2011–2016 in Lower Silesia.Material and methodsA total of 11 004 patients with a clinically suspected superficial mycosis were investigated. Skin scrapings, nail clippings and plucked hair were examined with a direct microscopy, Wood’s lamp and culture. Particular species were identified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) examination. The lesions suspected for pityriasis versicolor were screened for Malassezia with Wood’s lamp and direct microscopy.ResultsDermatomycosis was diagnosed in 1653 (15.00%) patients with 1795 fungi identified. 1858 specimens were indicative of fungal infection including dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds. Out of 924 cases of dermatophytic infections (51.48%), Trichophyton rubrum accounted for the majority (71.75%) and was followed by Trichophyton tonsurans (16.77%). Among the yeasts (716; 39.89%), Candida spp. was the most common agent identified (521; 67.66%). The sites affected most often were toenails (956; 51.45%) and fingernails (319; 17.17%). In paediatric population the most common diagnosis was tinea corporis (60, 41.10%).ConclusionsOur study revealed that toenail onychomycosis remains the most common superficial mycosis and T. rubrum is the most common pathogen. However, in a longer period of observation, a decrease in the number of tinea capitis cases and an increase in infections caused by T. tonsurans were noticed. Observed changes indicate the need for continuing studies to detect the upcoming epidemiological trends.

Introduction Dermatophytoses are the most common superficial fungal infections in paediatric population. Its pathogen pattern has changed over years. Aim To analyse the spectrum of dermatophytoses in children living in Southwestern Poland, in the years 2011–2016. Material and methods A total of 1705 patients were diagnosed with fungal skin infection in the Mycological Laboratory, Dermatology Department of the Wroclaw Medical University. Of them, 163 were under 18 years of age. Results In 105 cases, dermatophytoses were detected. The collected specimens were examined using direct microscopy examination, staining, culture on specific media and PCR technique. The most common dermatophytes were Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans (31.4% each), followed in the descending order by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (21.9%), Microsporum canis (13.3%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (1.9%). The most commonly affected body sites were glabrous skin of the trunk and extremities (41.7%), followed by face (22.2%), scalp (15.7%) and toe nails (14.8%). Conclusions This study revealed the most common types of dermatophytoses and their pathogens in children in Southwestern Poland. In comparison to earlier data obtained from this region, new epidemiological trends have been revealed. We observed the shift towards anthropophilic dermatophyte infections and an increasing number of onychomycosis in children. Because of climatic variations, migration, and changing lifestyle practices, further studies on dermatophytoses are necessary to improve our knowledge on the epidemiology of fungal infections.

Nestin is a protein belonging to class VI intermediate filaments, which is involved in organogenesis, cellular metabolism and cytoskeletal organisation. Originally found to be expressed in neuroepithelial stem cells, nestin is also expressed in other tissues. It plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and angiogenesis. Its increased expression in melanoma is associated with an aggressive course of the disease and poor prognosis. Research findings for nonmelanocytic skin neoplasms are inconclusive. The aim of this paper was to systematize knowledge on the role of nestin in cancerogenesis. The authors focused in particular on the expression of nestin in skin malignancies, as well as on the potential role of nestin in the pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment of cutaneous neoplasms.