Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Cutaneous fungal infections are common infections, which involve keratinized tissue (skin, hair, and nail). Dermatophytes are important and abundant cutaneous fungal agents. The aim of this study is to assess the epidemiology of dermatophytes and the prevalence of various type of tinea in Tehran province for better identification and treatment of patients.

Methods: Five hundred and eight patients suspected to have dermatophyte infections, after clinical examination, were referred to mycology laboratory of Razi Hospital in Tehran city for definite diagnosis, and then using direct examination and slide culture technique, and finally molecular examinations, the causative fungus of infection was diagnosed. Data were analyzed by chi-square statistical test at the significance level of (p£0.05).

Results: Of 161 obtained positive samples, 73 (45.3%) patients were female and 88 cases (54.7%) were male. The mean age of patients was 42 years. The most and least common types of tinea were tinea pedis with 71 cases (44.1%) and tinea faciei with one case (0.6%), respectively. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the the most isolated species and the least was Microsporum ferrugineum.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, dermatophyte infections in different parts of the body, especially foot and groin, are considered as an important health problem in Tehran city. It seems that design and implementation of training programs with the purpose of primary and secondary prevention, especially for age group over 20 years, are necessary for reduction of cases of dermatophytosis.