Trichophyton rubrum: The commonest isolate from dermatophytosis

Dermatophytosis is a trivial disease but has lot of psychological effect and a costly disease in terms of treatment. Though various species of dermatophytes produce clinically characteristic lesions, but a single species may produce variety of lesions depending upon site of infection. The present study was undertaken with following aim and objectives. Isolation and identification of different etiological agents causing dermatophytosis. Correlation between the site of involvement and the causative agents. Frequency of occurrence of various dermatophytes. Isolation and identification was done by macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical tests. The present study for isolation and identification was done on 250 clinically diagnosed cases of dermtophytosis. Out of 250 cases of dermatophytosis, 138 cases (55.2%) were positive in direct microscopic examination (KOH) and total of 106 cases (42.4%) were positive in culture. 102cases (40.80%) were positive in direct examination (KOH) as well as culture. In the present study commonest isolate 69(65.09%) were Trichophyton rubrum from all clinical isolates. This study highlighted that Tinea corporis is the commonest clinical type. T. rubrum are the most common etiological agents and males are more frequently affected.