Mycotic Skin Infections: Study of Clinico-Etiological Pattern and Socio-Economic Profile in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of cutaneous mycoses has been increasing with constantly changing pattern. The likelihood of fungal infections in the population of Garhwal region might be increased due to their poor personal hygiene, agriculture work and close contact with soil and animals. Aim: To find out the prevalence of various mycotic skin infections in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and compare and correlate it with site, gender, age group, occupation, socio economic status and health status of residents of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Methods: The patients with superficial fungal infection reported were studied in relation to name, age, address, occupation, socio -economic status and sites involved. Skin scrapings were collected in a sterile black paper and divided into two parts. Part I was used for KOH mount and Part II was used for culture. Cultures were read after 5 days of incubation for colony morphology and pigment production and every five days till 4 weeks. Fungi were identified on the basis of their colony morphology, pigmentation, microscopic characteristics and biochemical tests. Results: Out of total 136 patients, 98(72.05%) had fungal infection. Maximum patients were in the age group of 20 -50 years (60.20%). Farmers, dairy and poultry workers (36.73%) were most affected .Affected patients were mostly from low and very low socioeconomic status (59.1%). Among Dermatophytes (69.82%),T. mentagrophyte and T. rubrum were most common. Conclusion: Dermatophytes are most common cause of mycotic skin infection.