The Prevalence Onychomycosis in North Western Region of Rajasthan

INTRODUCTION: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of nail caused by dermatophytes, yeast and mould. Onchomycosis infection continues to spread worldwide and found to persist everywhere. Onchomycosis infection prevalence is continuously increasing and the possible fungal pathogens are also increasing. All nail diseases are not fungal in origin hence laboratory investigations are needed to differentiate accurately between fungal infections and other conditions. AIM: to find out mycological profile & morphological identification of fungal agent in onchomycosis infection and their prevalence in a part of Rajasthan. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total 50 samples of nail clipings were investigated in department of microbiology by using 20% KOH and culture tubes of Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) which were mixed with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide. RESULT: A total of 50 samples (18 male and 32 females) were tested in period of one year (January to December 2016). Among them 28(56%) samples showed fungal growth, the predominat fungual pathogen in present study were Tricophyton spp. 12 (42.86%) followed by yeasts 09 (32.14%) then molds 07(25%). Fungi commonly presented in the middle age, between 31-40 years of age, due to trauma at the work site and in women, due to their wet work. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that Dermatophyte T.Rubrum as the main fungal pathogen which caused onychomycosis in the study region. As there are several fungi which cause the infection so it is necessary to perform culture for appropriate treatment So, it is imperative to diagnose it properly by using microbiological techniques and to treat it properly. For proper management of onychomycosis, diagnosis and accurate treatment play a key role in better outcome.