Identification and speciation of fungi causing onychomycosis: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: “Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit.” Dermatophytes, yeasts, or filamentous fungi cause onychomycosis. Treating onychomycosis successfully requires the identification of infectious microorganisms. The study's objective is to identify the species of fungi causing onychomycosis. Methods: The fungi were identified by evaluating macroscopic and microscopic morphological traits using techniques like potassium hydroxide mount, culture isolation, Lacto phenol cotton blue (LPCB) stain, and slide culture. Results: One hundred samples of nail clippings from cases of onychomycosis were studied. Out of which, 62 were culture positive, of which 24 (39%) yielded dermatophytes, 33 (53%) yielded nondermatophyte molds (NDMs), and Candida spp. 5 (8%). The common age group affected was 31–40 years [19 (31%)], with male predominance (60%); The most common clinical symptom was nail plate thickening (59.7%), followed by subungual hyperkeratosis and discoloration in 29% and 24% of cases, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of patients belonged to low socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Onychomycosis, a prevalent fungal nail infection affecting various demographics, notably targets males, particularly in persons walking barefoot in contact with soil and animals. The rise of NDMs is contributing to superficial mycosis. A fungal culture is crucial for diagnosis and management, and the knowledge of the prevalence of causative agents aids in effective control measures.

Keywords

• hyperkeratosis
• nail discoloration
• onychomycosis
• potassium hydroxide
• speciation of fungi