Frequency of epidermophyton floccosum in isolated dermatophytea laboratory from the Region of Valparaiso, Chile. Time frame: 1990-2010

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytoses are frequent infections in human, which are produced by fungus genera Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. Aim: To determine frequency of E. floccosum in isolated dermatophyte in a laboratory from Valparaíso during the last three decades, in addition to knowing the most frequent localization, age and gender of patients affected by this agent. Method: All superficial culture reports, issued by the Universidad de Valparaíso’s mycology laboratory in the last three decades, with E. floccosum, Microsporum spp and Trichophyton spp development, has been reviewed. Patients age, gender, location of the injury and culture report has been registered in an excel spreadsheet. Results: The total number of reports with dermatophyte development in the culture was 6,780. Only 26 cases show E. floccosum development, 73% of this (19/26) were present on men with and average age of 37 years. Frequency did progressively fall since eighty’s until 2000 decade. The age group most affected by this etiological agent was 30-36 years. The most frequently localization in both man and woman were foot plant and nails. Conclusions: Frequency of isolation did decrease progressively in dermatophytose by E. floccosum for the study period. Masculine gender and 36-60 age group were the most affected. The most frequently localization were foot plant and nails.