Dermatophytes in skin, nails, and hair among the patients attending the outpatient department of Zliten Medical Center.

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes represent the most prevalent infections in the human body, primarily affecting the scalp, skin, and nails. Dermatophytes are classified into three genera: Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis irrespective of gender and from all age groups, attending the outpatient department of dermatology and Venereology at Zliten Medical Center. The study was conducted from April 2023 to March 2024. A pro forma document incorporating a structured questionnaire was completed. Skin, nail, and scalp scrapings were collected All specimens underwent microscopic examination for dermatophytes using (KOH) preparation. Positive results were further confirmed through fungal culture. Results: Dermatophytes were isolated and identified in 23 (38.3%) patients. dermatophytes infect concentrated in the group younger < 20 years at a rate of (69.6%) and was more predominant among males from females. tinea capitis and tinea ungiumm had the highest infection rate (43.5%) and (21.7%), respectively. The commonest isolate was Trichophyton violaceum. The highest percentage of dermatophytes infection was found in the scalp, at a rate of (47.8%). Conclusions: culture positive was (38.3%). females were less frequently affected than males, dermatophytes infect concentrated in the group younger < 20 years at a rate of (69.6%), T. capitis followed by T. ungiuum as predominant clinical type of dermatophytes and the commonest isolate was Trichophyton violaceum. The highest percentage of dermatophytes infection was found in the scalp, at a rate of (47.8%).