Epidemiological survey of dermatophytosis in Damascus, Syria, from ۲۰۰۸ to ۲۰۱۶

Background and Purpose: It is important to follow annually the probable changes in distribution pattern of dermatophytosis and its etiological agents in different communities. In this study, we determined the prevalence of dermatophytosis and its causative agents in Damascus, Syria, between ۲۰۰۸ and ۲۰۱۶. Materials and Methods: A total of ۴۰۸۰ outpatients who visited the dermatological clinics in Damascus, were evaluated. The specimens were collected from clinically suspected tinea. The patients were referred to our laboratory for direct examination by ۳۰ %KOH. Some of the specimens were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar for fungal identification. Results: Out of the ۴۰۸۰ cases, ۱۱۳۸ cases were positive in direct examination(%۲۷.۸۹) , including Tinea pedis (%۴۶.۹۸), followed by tinea capitis(%۳۹.۷۹) , tinea corporis (%۲۵.۳۸), toenail onychomycosi (%۲۰.۳۳), tinea manuum (%۱۶.۰۶), and fingernail onychomycosis .(%۱۵.۲۲) Tinea pedis and toenail onychomycosis were more common in summer %۴۱.۱۹) and %۲۵.۷۸ respectively .(Trichophytic rubrum was the most prevalent fungal pathogen, especially in toenail onychomycosis. Conclusion: Dermatophytosis is highly prevalent in Syria. This study provides valuable data for differential diagnosis of dermatophytosis