Epidemiological Investigation of Superficial Fungal Infections and Associated Factors in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Kashmir
Introduction: Superficial mycoses are a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in regions like India, due to their high disease burden and impact on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of superficial fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital in...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pasteur Institute of Iran
2024-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-653-en.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Superficial mycoses are a significant public health concern
worldwide, especially in regions like India, due to their high disease burden
and impact on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the
epidemiology of superficial fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital in
Kashmir, examining their prevalence, etiological agents, anatomical
involvement, and associated risk factors. Methods: A hospital-based crosssectional
study was conducted at the Government Medical College,
Srinagar, Kashmir, from April 2019 to October 2020. A total of 672 patients
with suspected superficial fungal infections were enrolled and analyzed
using direct microscopy and culture techniques. Statistical analyses were
performed using SPSS version 25.0 and R version 4.0.2, employing
descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests for categorical
associations. Results: Among 672 patients (mean age 42 ± 15 years,
52.08% male), dermatophytosis was the most common superficial fungal
infection (44.64%), followed by candidiasis (29.76%) and pityriasis
versicolor (14.88%). Pityriasis versicolor was more frequent in patients
younger than 20 years old, while dermatophytosis and candidiasis were
prevalent in those aged 20-59 years old. Non-dermatophyte fungi, including
Candida species and non-dermatophyte molds, were more common in nail
and skin samples. Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes
were the primary causative agents. Significant risk factors included
diabetes, immunosuppression, antibiotic/corticosteroid use, the sharing of
personal items, occupational exposure, excessive sweating, and tight
clothing (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study underscores the substantial
burden of superficial fungal infections, particularly dermatophytosis and
non-dermatophyte mycoses in a tertiary care setting in Kashmir. Our
findings emphasize the need for accurate identification of causative agents
and associated risk factors to inform tailored antifungal therapy and
preventive strategies. |
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| ISSN: | 2345-5349 2345-5330 |