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Clinico-mycological study of superficial mycoses and correlation with anti-fungal susceptibility among the Candida isolates in a teaching institution of Western India

Summary

This study examined fungal skin infections in 330 patients in Western India, identifying which fungi cause these infections and which antifungal drugs work best. Researchers found that Candida yeasts were especially common in nail infections while Trichophyton fungi were more common in skin infections. The antifungal drug caspofungin was most effective against Candida, while the commonly used drug fluconazole showed increasing resistance.

Background

Superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, Candida species, and non-dermatophyte molds affecting skin, hair, and nails. The prevalence varies based on geographical location, climate, and socioeconomic factors. The WHO reports a global prevalence rate of 20-25% for superficial mycotic infections.

Objective

To isolate and identify fungal species from patients with superficial fungal infections using phenotypic and culture methods, study fungal isolates in relation to infection sites, and establish in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing on Candida isolates in Western India.

Results

Out of 330 specimens, 161 (49%) were skin scrapings, 42 (13%) hair samples, and 127 (30%) nail clippings, with 96 (29%) culture positive. Candida species were most common in nails while Trichophyton mentagrophytes dominated skin infections. Among 34 Candida isolates, caspofungin showed 100% susceptibility, while fluconazole resistance was observed in C. krusei, C. glabrata, and C. albicans.

Conclusion

Dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte molds, and yeasts all cause superficial mycoses with increasing importance of non-dermatophyte molds. Caspofungin was the most effective antifungal agent against Candida species. Fluconazole should be used cautiously due to rising resistance rates, likely related to prophylactic use.
  • Published in:Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care,
  • Study Type:Prospective Clinical Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40814498, DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_625_24
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