title: A clinical and mycological study of dermatophytic infections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatophytoses refer to superficial fungal infection of keratinized tissues caused by keratinophilic dermatophytes. According to observations worldwide, dermatophytoses are the most common of the superficial fungal infections. It is common in tropics and may present in epidemic proportions in areas with high rates of humidity. Although common, the precise size of the problem defies measurement.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was undertaken to assess the clinical profile of dermatophytic infection and to identify the species of fungi that are prevalent in this region.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 100 patients clinically suspected for dermatophytoses were selected for the study. Direct microscopy in 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and culture was done in each case.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 100 patients, the maximum were seen in the age groups of 16-30 years. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type (44.3%) followed by tinea cruris (38.2%). Overall positivity by culture was 39% and by direct microscopy 96%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant species isolated (67.5%) in all clinical types followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Culturing the fungus may identify the species, but it is not essential for the diagnosis as it is not a sensitive test.
authors.affiliation: Department of Skin and STD, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Kak
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Surendran
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Ramesh M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Rekha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boloor
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nandakishore
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sukumar
keywords: Dermatophytosis; dermatophyte; tinea; trichophyton