Mycological Study of Superficial-cutaneous Mycoses in Tehran, Iran

Background: Many studies have been conducted on fungal infections which are known as public health and therapeutic problems. Since theprevalence rate of the fungal diseases and their etiological factors are changing over time, the purpose of this study was to identify theprevalence rate of superficial-cutaneous fungal infections (SCFIs) in order to understand the ways of their dissemination, to prevent diseasestransmission, to eliminate contamination sources and predisposing factors, and to take appropriate action for their treatment.Materials and Methods: After referral to medical mycology laboratory of Tehran University of Medical Science from 2014 to 2015, thepatients were subjected to mycological examinations, and sampling of patients’ lesions was performed. Directsmears were prepared withPotassium hydroxide. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium, and species were identified.Results: From a total of 916 suspected patients, 334 cases (36.5%) had SCFIs. Dermatophytosis was the most prevalent SCFI (55.7%),followed by cutaneous candidiasis (19%), tinea versicolor (14.3%), and non-dermatophytic molds (11%).Tineapedis was the frequent site ofinvolvement. Trichophytonmentagrophytes was the predominant species of dermatophytosis.Conclusion: According to the obtained results on the prevalence rate of SCFIs between male and female patients in different age groups andalso by taking into account the type of the prevalent fungi and the involvement site of the fungal infection, it is possible to take appropriateaction for prevention and treatment of these kind of diseases by using important keys of the results to research etiological and underlyingfactors involved in these diseases.

Mycological Study of Superficial-cutaneous Mycoses in Tehran, Iran Keywords:

Superficial , Cutaneous , Fungal , Infection , Mycoses