Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton are collectively known as dermatophytes. The increased incidence of dermatophyte infection is influenced by an increased number of diabetic patients. The diverse clinical presentation of dermatophytes is related to the species and strains of fungus, involved sites, size of inoculum and immune status of hosts. We planned this study to isolate and identify the causative fungus of dermatophytosis among diabetic patients and to study about the antifungal susceptibility pattern of isolated dermatophytes by microbroth dilution method. Methods: 60 diabetic patients with clinically diagnosed dermatophytosis were included in this study. Skin, hair and nails were collected aseptically from the patients depending on the clinical symptoms. Direct microscopic examination was done for all the samples with KOH. Irrespective of direct microscopic observation, all collected samples were inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol / gentamicin and cycloheximide. Results: Dermatophyte growth was obtained in 48 (80%) specimens. The most commonly isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton rubrum. Antifungal susceptibility testing was done for the 48 isolates and 41 were sensitive to terbinafine. Conclusion: Early isolation and antifungal sensitivity results will help to initiate appropriate treatment in diabetic patients with dermatophytosis.