Epidemiology, Causative Agents and Clinical Features of Onychomycosis in El-Gharbia Governorate

Abstract

ONYCHOMYCOSIS is a fungal disease of the nails that infects the nail plate, nail bed and matrix, caused by various species of dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. The aim of this investigation is to determine the clinicomycological and epidemiological profile of the etiologic agents of onychomycosis. The study population included 100 suspected cases of onychomycosis referred to the outpatient clinic at the Department of Dermatology at Tanta University Hospital, El-Gharbia Governorate, Egypt during 2015-2016. Nail clippings were collected in sterile Petri dishes for direct microscopic examination and culture. Fungal isolates were identified. The results showed that candidal onychomychosis was the most common clinical type. Candida tropicalis was the most prevalent causative species. It was more common among females aged 41-50 years. The incidence was higher during summer and autumn seasons. Housewives were the commonest infected population. Fingernails were affected more frequently than toenails. The pattern of causative agents and clinical signs of onychomycosis is altering region to region, so repeated epidemiological surveys of onychomycosis seems to be fundamental. The present study provided novel and appropriate epidemiologic data of onychomycosis for the better prevention and treatment of this fungal infection.