Non-dermatophyte Moulds as Emerging Pathogens of Onychomycosis among Patients Attending Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahliya, Egypt

2 Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Onychomycosis is fungal infection of nails. Dermatophytes, Candida species, and non-dermatophyte moulds are the commonest causes of onychomycosis. Objectives: This study assessed the frequency of non-dermatophyte moulds causing onychomycosis and their antifungal susceptibility. Methodology: Our study included106 nail specimens obtained from patients attending Mansoura University Hospital from October 2019 to March 2021. All samples were examined by standard mycological methods. Results: Onychomycosis was detected in 86 nail specimens. Dermatophytes were isolated from 7 cases (6.6%), non-dermatophyte moulds from 62 cases (58.5%), Candida species from 17 cases (16.0%), and the remaining 20 cultures were negative for fungal growth. Among non-dermatophyte moulds the predominant isolates were Aspergillus fumigatus (25.5%), Aspergillus niger (17.9%), Aspergillus flavus (3.8%), Alternaria alternata (2.8%) and Penicillium species (2.8%). The non-dermatophyte moulds were highly sensitive to itraconazole and ketoconazole. Conclusion: Non-dermatophyte moulds are a common cause of onychomycosis that cause failure of therapy and should be considered in cases of onychomycosis.

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