Fungal Nail Infections: Spectrum of Aetiologic Agents and Pattern of Lesions

Year 2016, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 23 - 27, 01.03.2016

Anyimson James

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.328763

Abstract

Objective: Worldwide, fungal nail infections have been on the increase, with social, cultural and economic factors contributing
to it. Information on the spectrum of fungal nail infection is sparse in Nigeria. This study was carried out to
establish the infection rates, aetiology and clinical types of onychomycosis in Calabar.
Methods: Subjects were drawn from manicure and pedicure salons, farming settlements, mechanic workshops and
dermatology clinic. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants for demographic data. Nail scrapings
and clippings were obtained from subjects under standard aseptic procedure. Samples were pulverized and subjected
to microscopy and culture. Standard mycological techniques were used to identify and characterize isolates.
Results: Out of the 32.7% infection rates in the study, males 33.8%% were more infected than females 32.3% and subjects
aged 41-50 years had the highest rate of infections. Candida species were more prevalent 63.6% than dermatophytic
moulds 36.4%. Trichophyton rubrum was the most prevalent 18.2% dermatophyte. The distribution of pathogenic
isolates on fingernails 45.5% and toenails 42.4% was statistically significant (χ2 =7.2, p= 0.03). Disto-lateral subungual
onychomycosis (DLSO) 51(50.5%) was the most common type of nail lesion but most of the isolates 14(42.4%) were
recovered from TDO.

Conclusion: Onychomycosis affected more adults than adolescents of both sexes in our locality.
Candida species are becoming prevalent aetiologic agents of these infections, and their importance should not be
overlooked in the management of patients. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2016;6(1): 23-27

Keywords

Onychomycosis, aetiologic agents, lesion types

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