Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytes. Material and methods: This observational prospective study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, after taking the approval of the protocol review committee and institutional ethics committee. Total of 120 patients showing lesions typical of dermatophytes infection based on the clinicians’ preliminary diagnosis from outpatient Department of Dermatology. Result: Samples were collected from patient’s various anatomical sites such as epidermal layers of skin, hair and nail. Among them tinea corporis was predominant in 73/120 (60.83%) patients followed by tinea cruris in 20/120 (16.67%) patients. Tinea unguium was found in 15/120 (12.5%) patients, tinea manuum was observed in 4 (3.3%) patients, tinea pedis was seen in 3 (2.5%) patients and tinea capitis, tinea facei were 2 and tinea barbae were seen in 1(1.67%) and one (0.83%) patient respectively. Conclusion: Dermatophytoses are worldwide distributed with increased incidence especially in tropical countries like India. Several factors such as age, sex, illiteracy, poor hygiene and social economy influence the infection with dermatophytes.