Incidence, Prevalence of Dermatophytes in Clinically Suspected Fungal Skin Infections in Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytes are the most common fungal species that affect hair, skin, and nails. In order to prevent infections from spreading quickly, it is important to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytes. This study was conducted to analyze the dermatophyte prevalence in patients with superficial cutaneous skin infection in the hospital. 

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out over the course of a year (July 2024 to July 2025) by the departments of Dermatology in Ibn-e-Siena Hospital Multan. Samples were prepared for a wet mount potassium hydroxide solution preliminary screening test. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.

Results: Seven hundred and thirty-seven (74%) of the 1000 skin samples were positive for dermatophytes. There were 86 (9%) non-dermatophytes. A total of 95 (8%) were identified as yeast, and 13 (1%) as mixed growth. The most common clinical type was shown to be tinea corporis, followed by tinea cruris. Patients between the ages of 21 and 40 made up the majority of the isolates.

Conclusion: In the hospital used for this study, dermatophytes were the most ubiquitous fungi causing superficial cutaneous skin infections. The most frequent skin infection in the population under study is tinea corporis. When assessing the causes of skin illnesses, it is crucial to take into account the reported incidence of dermatophytes (8%) in superficial skin infections. This will allow for anextra tailored approach in managing superficial skin infections.