Superficial fungal infections in the department of dermatology, University Hospital Jena: A 7-year retrospective study on 4556 samples from 2007 to 2013

Abstract

Background: Superficial fungal infections are often seen in day-to-day clinical practice, and their prevalence continues to rise worldwide. Over the years, a change in the pattern of dermatophytoses has been noted. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the epidemiologic profile of dermatophytes at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Jena, from 2007 to 2013. Methods: The retrospective study was carried out with a total of 4556 samples collected from 3607 patients suspected of superficial fungal infections during the 7-year study period. Results: Among the 3607 suspected patients, 1951 (54.09%) were men and 1656 (45.91%) were women. Of 4556 samples, 703 (15.43%) samples were positive for fungal culture, which included 585 (83.21%) dermatophytes and 118 (16.79%) non-dermatophytes. Trichophyton (T.) rubrum was the most common isolated pathogen in 73.33% of the dermatophyte cases. Among dermatophyte-infected patients, men were most likely to be affected (63.48%) as well as those of higher age (61 to 80). The most commonly affected areas were nails (33.16%) and feet (33%). T rubrum was recurrently isolated in several regions with exception of the scalp where M canis (58.33%) was the most frequently isolated pathogen. About 16.04% of cases had a history of treatment taken prior to sampling. The majority of the affected individuals did not have any prior animal contact (77.26%). T benhamiae was exclusively associated with contact to guinea pigs. Conclusion: Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated pathogen in several regions except the scalp. New dermatophyte species emerged with time especially T benhamiae.