Cutaneous Mycoses among Rice Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rice grain is one of the world's most important food crops, and its cultivation is a major occupation in Anambra State, Nigeria. These rice farmers are exposed to various agents that predispose them to cutaneous mycoses. The aim of this work was to screen rice farmers for lesions suggestive of cutaneous mycoses and to isolate and identify fungal agents associated with the infection. This survey was carried out between November 2009 and June 2011 in Anambra State, Nigeria. Clinical samples collected from 201 farmers with lesions suggestive of cutaneous mycoses were processed and the organisms identified. Questionnaires were used to obtain other necessary data and were statistically analyzed. Of the 2,580 rice farmers screened, 201 (7.79%) showed positive lesions. Organisms recovered included Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum ferrugineum, Trichophyton megnini, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus terrus, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus scleriotorum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Scopulariopsis sp., Chrysosporium sp., Eupenicillium javanicum, Fusarium sp., Penicillium aculeatum, and Penicillium pinophilum. At the end of this work, onychomycosis was observed to be the most prevalent with nondermatophyte molds now becoming very important agents of cutaneous mycoses among rice farmer.

Superficial mycoses, a matter of concern: Global and Indian scenario‐an updated analysis

“…Superficial mycotic infections have been reported to be prevalent among the rice farmers of Nigeria. 114 Zoonotic superficial skin mycoses of lower limbs (18.9%), upper limbs (29.7%), face (18.9%) and head (16.2%) have been reported in farmers of Saudi Arabia. 115 Close proximity with animals, age, breed of animal and prolonged moist conditions during working hours were implicated as the important predisposing factors.…”

“…In this study, besides wearing nylon boots, use of nylon socks, contact with farm animals (animal husbandry) and organic matter were also observed to be the possible factors responsible for the acquisition of such infections. Superficial mycotic infections have been reported to be prevalent among the rice farmers of Nigeria 114 . Zoonotic superficial skin mycoses of lower limbs (18.9%), upper limbs (29.7%), face (18.9%) and head (16.2%) have been reported in farmers of Saudi Arabia 115 .…”

In vitro Anti-dermatophyte Activities of Crude Extracts of Cassia alata

“…Two hundred and one samples from skin scrapings, hair, nails and toe web were collected from clinically suspected rice farmers from Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods of sample collection, isolation and identification are as described by Ekwealor and Oyeka [12].…”

Aspects épidémiologiques et étiologiques des mycoses cutanéo-phanériennes chez les détenus de la maison d’arrêt et de correction de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

“…Ces deux espèces sont largement reparties à travers le monde [7]. Elles se succèdent dans la première place dans la plupart des études réalisées ces dernières années sur les dermatophytes [1,3,4,6,8,11]. L'absence de dermatophytes zoophiles dans nos isolements contraste avec les résultats de Oyeka et Eze [14] au Nigeria qui ont noté 10 cas de M. canis parmi 79 dermatophytes.…”