#dermatophytes

Fungal infections are often chronic, hence requiring long-term treatment for them to be effectively treated. The antifungal activity of the ethylacetate and hot water extracts of the stem piths of Alchonea cordifolia and Senna alata were tested against Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Trichophyton verrucosum. Extracts of both crude drugs were obtained by maceration using ethyl acetate and hot water respectively. Identification of dermatophytes, microscopic and macroscopic examination of cultures was carried out using standard procedures. Phytoconstituents of both plants were evaluated qualitatively using standard methods. The antifungal activity of extracts was tested using the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of both extracts was carried out using the agar dilution method. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was also done using standard procedures. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins and tannins in both crude extracts. Senna alata showed the highest antifungal activity against both dermatophyteswith the zone of inhibition ranging from 12.85±2.44mm to 20.85±2.44mm. Trichophyton verrucosum was most susceptible with the zone of inhibition of 20.85±2.44mm at a concentration of 2.50mg/ml. The hot water extract of the stem pith of Senna alata and Alchonea cordifolia did not inhibit any of the dermatophytes. Conclusively, the results of this study support the traditional use of Senna alata for the treatment and management of ringworm and athlete’s foot caused by Trichophyton mentagrophyte and Trichophyton verrucosum.

The superficial (cutaneous) fungal infections involve skin and its appendages, hair and nails. The causative fungi colonize only cornified layer of epidermis or supra-follicular portion of hair and usually do not penetrate into deeper tissues. The distribution and frequency of these infections and their etiological agents vary according to the geographic region, the socioeconomic level of population, climatic variation, presence of domestic animals and age. These infections are usually presented as scaly patches with central clearing with sharply demarcated as annular, erythematous, sometimes with vesicles, blisters and pustules. These superficial fungal infections are also responsible for morbidity, affecting quality of life, have recurrent relapses and drug resistance. This study was carried to find out the prevalence of various fungi associated with superficial fungal infection. This is a retrospective observational study carried to see clinical and laboratory profile of clinically suspected cases of superficial (cutaneous) fungal infection cases attending Dermatology Out Patient Department (OPD) and Skin scrapings, hair and nail samples were collected and processed according to standard mycological protocol. A total of 120 specimens were collected from clinically diagnosed superficial fungal infection cases. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type in our study followed by Pityriasis versicolor, Onycomycosis and Tinea pedis. Most common dermatophyte species isolated was Trichophyton mentegrophyte and Malassezia sp. followed by Trichophyton violaceum, Candida sp., Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum audouinii and Fusarium sp. Along with dermatophytes, nondermatophytic fungal infections are emerging as important debilitating problems affecting quality of life. Due to different type of antifugal use in different superficial mycoses, laboratory confirmation is desired, to decrease inappropriate use of drugs and drug resistance.

The superficial (cutaneous) fungal infections involve skin and its appendages, hair and nails. The causative fungi colonize only cornified layer of epidermis or supra-follicular portion of hair and usually do not penetrate into deeper tissues. The distribution and frequency of these infections and their etiological agents vary according to the geographic region, the socioeconomic level of population, climatic variation, presence of domestic animals and age. These infections are usually presented as scaly patches with central clearing with sharply demarcated as annular, erythematous, sometimes with vesicles, blisters and pustules. These superficial fungal infections are also responsible for morbidity, affecting quality of life, have recurrent relapses and drug resistance. This study was carried to find out the prevalence of various fungi associated with superficial fungal infection. This is a retrospective observational study carried to see clinical and laboratory profile of clinically suspected cases of superficial (cutaneous) fungal infection cases attending Dermatology Out Patient Department (OPD) and Skin scrapings, hair and nail samples were collected and processed according to standard mycological protocol. A total of 120 specimens were collected from clinically diagnosed superficial fungal infection cases. Tinea corporis was the most common clinical type in our study followed by Pityriasis versicolor, Onycomycosis and Tinea pedis. Most common dermatophyte species isolated was Trichophyton mentegrophyte and Malassezia sp. followed by Trichophyton violaceum, Candida sp., Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum audouinii and Fusarium sp. Along with dermatophytes, nondermatophytic fungal infections are emerging as important debilitating problems affecting quality of life. Due to different type of antifugal use in different superficial mycoses, laboratory confirmation is desired, to decrease inappropriate use of drugs and drug resistance.