A Clinical and Mycological Study of Superficial Mycoses in a Tertiary Health Care Centre of Southern Bihar

Introduction: Fungal infections of the skin and its appendages (hairs and nails) known as superficial mycoses are brought on by dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte fungi.Dermatophytosis or ringworm is a frequent superficial fungal skin illness that is more common in tropical and sub-tropical regions like India where temperatures are high for most of the year.Very few studies have been reported on the etiological profile from eastern India that have focused on superficial mycoses.Materials and Method: 271 skin scrapings were included in the study.To the collected sample, one or two drops of the solution of potassium hydroxide (10% for lesions of the skin, 20-40% for thick hyper-keratotic lesions and nails) were added.A single layer of cells was achieved by applying and pressing down a cover slip.The slide was then examined under light microscope under low magnification and then verified under high magnification.Results: 95 samples were positive for dermatophytes and 176 tested negatives.Tinea corporis was commonest manifestation in 33.68% cases followed by tinea pedis (24.21%) and tinea cruris (13.68).Tinea Unguium was found in only 3 cases (3.16%).Most of the patients belonged to 16-30 years age group (47.37%) followed by 31-45 (32.63%).There were comparatively more males (60%) than females (40%). Conclusion:In clinically identified cases where molecular testing is not available to prevent the emergence of drug resistance, identification of the responsible fungal species by direct microscopy and culture is essential.