The epidemiology and etiology of onychomycosis in 2 laboratory centers affiliated to Tehran university of medical sciences during 2019-2020

Taraneh Razavyoon; Seyed Jamal Hashemia; Parvin Mansouri; Zahra Rafat; Ali Akbar  Saboor-Yaraghi; Hasti Kamali Sarvestani; Zeinab Ghasemi

doi:10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9196

Taraneh Razavyoon Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Seyed Jamal Hashemia Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Parvin Mansouri Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Rafat Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Ali Akbar Saboor-Yaraghi Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hasti Kamali Sarvestani Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Zeinab Ghasemi Department of Medical Mycology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v14i2.9196

Keywords: Onychomycosis; Epidemiology; Dermatophyte; Saprophyte; Yeast

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Onychomycosis is caused by dermatophyte species, non- dermatophyte moulds (NDMs), and accounts for roughly 50% of all nail diseases. As the prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing, new epidemiologic documents may help with treatment and prevention. The present investigation aims to determine the epidemiological profile of onychomycosis in 2 mycology laboratories.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted during eight months (2019-2020) on 169 patients with positive nail mycology tests referred to two mycological laboratory centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Science. The nail clippings were examined by direct smear and culture. Also, molecular assays were performed if needed.

Results: 10% of nail lesions referred to Razi Hospital (RH), and 30% of nail lesions referred to TUMS mycology laboratory were positive. Middle age (40-60) suffer more from onychomycosis. Aspergillus flavus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans were the most common etiologic agents in each of the three main classes of fungi causing onychomycosis. Females were more infected. NDMs were the predominant etiologic agents, and toenails were the most common site of onychomycosis.

Conclusion: The pattern of etiologic agents and clinical signs of onychomycosis differs according to geographical region and age, so repeated epidemiological surveys of onychomycosis seem to be fundamental.