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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Lab Physicians 2017; 9(03): 190-194
DOI: 10.4103/JLP.JLP_131_16
Original Article

Current mycological profile of onychomycosis in Kashmir valley: A hospital-based study

Nazir Asifa
Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
,
Kanth Farhath
Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Financial support and sponsorship Nil.
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Onychomycosis is a common nail ailment associated with significant physical and psychological morbidity. It is caused by dermatophytes, nondermatophytic molds, and yeasts. Increased prevalence in the recent years is attributed to enhanced longevity, comorbid conditions such as diabetes, avid sports participation, and emergence of HIV.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to identify the mycological profile and etiological agents associated with this infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine cases of clinically suspected onychomycosis were included in this study. Clinical patterns were noted, and samples collected from most severely affected nail. They were subjected to direct microscopy and culture.

RESULTS: The microscopic and/or culture examination was positive in 64.34% of cases. The most common clinical type was distal lateral subungual onychomycosis in 42 (50.60%) Candida sp. was the most common fungal agent among yeasts, followed by Trichophyton sp among dermatophytes and Aspergillus among nondermatophytic molds. Females were affected more than males and fingernails were affected more frequently than toenails.

CONCLUSION: Onychomycosis is a significant and important disease which can cause many physical, physiological, and occupational problems, considerably impairing patient quality of life. Hence, fungal cultures are of paramount importance in all suspected cases of onychomycosis because the antifungal agent with an appropriate spectrum of activity can only be used if the underlying fungal pathogen is identified correctly.

Key words

Candida sp - dermatophytes - nails - nondermatophytic molds - onychomycosis


Publication History

Received: 29 September 2016

Accepted: 11 January 2017

Article published online:
19 February 2020

© 2017.

Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.
A-12, Second Floor, Sector -2, NOIDA -201301, India

 

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