Incidence and Culture Characteristics of Dermatophytes Isolated at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Outskirts of Hyderabad, India

Superficial fungal infections of the skin is public health problem (Abdelkarim et al., 2013, Judith, 2006). Dermatophytosis which involves keranized tissues such as superficial skin, nails and hair, is the commonest condition that is encountered in the dermatology clinics (Lakshmi et al., 2015). These infections are usually ignored and patient presents to outpatient department only if cosmetically disfiguring or due to inconvenience caused by pruritus. This results in many not seeking medical help immediately thus increasing the disease load in the community and increased risk of transmission. The epidemiology of dermatophytosis has evolved over the last many decades. Whether developed countries or developing countries these changes have occurred due to changing life styles, economy, increasing leisure activities and environmental factors. People who are exposed to soil, and animals occupationally or as a leisure activity, are at risk of acquiring dermatophyte infection. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 8 (2016) pp. 372-380 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com