Epidemiologic surveillance of cutaneous fungal infection and its causative agents in patients referred to Razi laboratory, Rasht, Iran: A retrospective study from 2016-2021

Abstract

Introduction: Information on epidemiologic trends of dermatophytosis and its causative agents is essential for the healthcare system to improve its knowledge of associated complications. The main purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of fungal strains and the infection sites of patients with dermatophytosis.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the demographical data and clinical characteristics of 641 patients with a positive fungal culture who were referred to Razi pathobiological laboratory, Rasht, Iran, between 2016-2021 were collected. All data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 by a significant level of < 0.05.

Results: Out of 641 patients, 70% were female and the mean age of patients was 43.98 ± 16.99 years. Laboratory analysis demonstrated that Candida Albicans (44/9%), Aspergillus (31/8%), and Dermatophytes (18%) were the most common causes of superficial cutaneous fungal infections. Among the dermatophytes, the most common pathogens were Trichophyton mentagrophytes (53%) and Trichophyton Rubrum (20.8%), also, the most common site of infection was nail (64.4%).

Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of Candida Albicans and Aspergillus, especially in females, it is important to determine preventive protocols for fungal infections and better clinical management of the patients involved.