A CLINICO INVESTIGATIVE AND MYCOPATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF FUNGI CAUSING SUBCUTANEOUS INFECTIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Background & Objectives: Subcutaneous mycoses comprise a heterogeneous group of fungal infection. They are characterized by development of lesions at the site of inoculation of fungi in the subcutaneous tissues. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk of infections. The main subcutaneous mycoses are Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis, Phaeohyphomycosis, Sporotrichosis followed by Rhinosporidiosis, Subcutaneous phycomycosis and lacaziosis. This study was planned with the aim of determining the prevalence, etiological agents of subcutaneous mycoses and their Clinicopathological profile. Materials And Methods: A total of 40 consecutive patients with clinically suspected subcutaneous mycoses attending various departments of Govt. Stanley Medical College and Hospital were included in this Cross sectional study. Fungi were identified by Direct microscopy in 10 and 40 % KOH, histopathological examination of biopsied tissue, colony characteristics on Sabourauds dextrose agar media both at 25 and 37 °C and detailed morphology of each fungus on Lactophenol cotton blue mount. Results: The percentage of Subcutaneous mycoses among fungal infections was 2.11%. Of the 40 cases of subcutaneous mycoses, 16 cases of Phaeohyphomycosis (40%), 12 cases of Mycetoma (30%), 10 cases of Chromoblastomycosis (25%) and 2 cases of Rhinosporidiosis (5%) were identified. In this study, 14 different species of fungus were found to be responsible for subcutaneous infections. Interpretation &Conclusion: The prevalence of Subcutaneous mycoses in this region is 2.11% of total fungal cases. Higher incidence of infections were noticed in the age group of 41-60. Comorbidities plays a crucial role in disease progression. Clinical suspicion, early laboratory confirmation of diagnosis and appropriate treatment is crucial in these infections. Clinicians must be aware of the clinical presentations of subcutaneous mycoses. Timely diagnosis will prevent chronic morbidity in patients.