Epidemiology of dermatophytosis in northeastern Iran; A subtropical region

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Dermatophytes as the causative agents of dermatophytosis(ringworm) are widely spread around the world. Accurate identification ofdermatophytes in one area can be particularly important for epidemiological studies.Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to describe the species spectrum ofdermatophytes, isolated from patients in Mashhad city, Iran, using the molecular-basedmethod.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 79 dermatophyte isolatesobtained from the human skin, hair, and nail specimens. Species identification wasperformed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphismanalysis of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer regions using MvaI restrictionenzyme.Results: The identified species included Trichophyton mentagrophytes/T. interdigitalespecies complex (n=37, 46.8%), Epidermophyton floccosum (n=12, 15.2%), T. rubrum(n=8, 10.1%), Microsporum canis (n=8, 10.1%), T. violaceum (n=5, 6.3%), T. tonsurans(n=4, 5.1%), Nannizzia gypsea (n=3, 3.8%), T. benhamiae (n=1, 1.3%), and T.verrucosum (n=1, 1.3%). The clinical forms of infection were tinea corporis (n=26,32.8%), tinea cruris (n=22, 27.8%), tinea capitis (n=10, 12.6%), tinea unguium (n=7,9%), tinea manuum (n=6, 8%), tinea pedis (n=5, 6.3%), and tinea faciei (n=3, 3.5%).Conclusion: As the findings indicated, T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale speciescomplex had the highest prevalence, and T. benhamiae appeared to be a new emergingagent of dermatophytosis in Mashhad, northeastern Iran.

Population differentiation, antifungal susceptibility, and host range of Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates causing recalcitrant infections in humans and animals

“…The production of virulence factors was evaluated using specific test media. The following tests were performed: production of keratinase (1), elastase (2), phospholipase (3), lipase (4), protease (5), gelatinase (6), and detection of haemolytic activity (7). Keratinase production (1): the medium was prepared as described by Scott and Untereiner [38].…”

“…Dermatophytes are the most commonly encountered fungi in humans and other vertebrates spreading through direct or indirect contacts with infected individuals and soil [1,2]. Epidemiological studies have documented a varied prevalence rate of dermatophytosis ranging from 14 to 26.8% in North America, Asia, and Europe and from 5 to 31.6% in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania) [3][4][5][6][7]. An alarming upward trend in the incidence of superficial dermatophytosis has been especially noticed in Europe and Asia over the past 5-10 years [8,9].…”

“…The plates were incubated at 28°C for 6 h aseptically. The staining solution containing 2% of K 3 Fe(CN)6 and FeCl 3 •6H 2 O each was prepared ex tempore. The staining solution was poured into Petri dishes containing the samples, which were then shaken gradually until a green colour appeared.…”

Dermatophytes and Dermatophytosis in Cluj-Napoca, Romania—A 4-Year Cross-Sectional Study

“…Dermatophytoses are fungal infections that are frequently diagnosed all over the world. These infections are usually not severe, but can sometimes be rather difficult to treat, exhibiting a chronic evolution [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Anthropophilic, zoophilic, and geophilic sources are known for various dermatophytes.…”

Species identification of dermatophytes isolated in China by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

“…Superficial mycosis is the most common fungal disease in humans, affecting more than 20%‐25% of the global population 1 . Dermatophytes are the most common agents of superficial mycosis, primarily causing tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea capitis, tinea unguium, tinea manuum, tinea pedis and tinea faciei 2 . Dermatophytes are classified according to ecological characteristics as anthropophilic, zoophilic and geophilic species.…”