Clinico-mycological profile of dermatophytosis in Meghalaya

Background: Dermatophytosis though trivial, exerts a psychological effect and requires effective treatment which is often costly. Numerous studies on clinicomycological aspects of dermatophytosis have been conducted in different parts of India but no reports are available from the state of Meghalaya. Aims: The study was therefore aimed at determining the prevalence and etiological agents of dermatophytosis amongst the patients attending the Department of Dermatology, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) Shillong. Materials and Methods: A total of 259 samples obtained from 237 clinically diagnosed cases of fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails were included. Direct microscopy (Potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount), culture and identifi cation were done according to standard procedures. Results: The major clinical group was found to be Tinea pedis (26.6%) followed by Tinea corporis (18.9%) and Tinea cruris (14.3%). Tinea capitis was predominantly seen in children (72.7%). The maximum cases were seen in the age group of 21-30 years (34.4%) showing a male predominance. Direct microscopy (KOH mount) were positive in 99(38.2%) of the 259 samples whereas; 76 (29.3%) were positive on culture. The predominant dermatophyte species isolated was Trichophyton rubrum (30.3%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (28.9%). Conclusion: The present study, gives an insight about the etiological agents of dermatophytosis in this part of India. This data provides an assessment of the prevalence and etiological profi le which would help in the estimation of the problem and hence in the prevention of dermatophytosis with adequate control measures.