Correlation Between Vitamin D Levels and Dermatophytosis: A Focus on Trichophyton Infections in Tinea Pedis

Polus, Alaa K.; Shalal, Omar S.; Mohammed, Abdulameer J.; Ridha, Dunya J.

doi:10.21608/ejmm.2025.375930.1566

Correlation Between Vitamin D Levels and Dermatophytosis: A Focus on Trichophyton Infections in Tinea Pedis

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

Authors

¹ Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq; Al-Alawiya Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Ministry of Health, Baghdad, Iraq.

² Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Techniques, Middle Technical University, Baghdad, Iraq

³ Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, University of Dijlah, Baghdad, Iraq

10.21608/ejmm.2025.375930.1566

Abstract

Background: Dermatophytosis, especially Tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton species, is a growing public health concern, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Recent studies suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased susceptibility to dermatophytic infections. Objective: This study evaluates the correlation between vitamin D3 levels and Tinea pedis infections, using integrated diagnostic methods. Methodology: Fifty specimens were collected, with 39 (78%) testing positive for Tinea pedis. Identification was done using conventional methods (KOH, SDA, DTM), followed by biochemical tests and molecular PCR analysis. Trichophyton mentagrophytes (41.0%), T. rubrum (28.2%), T. interdigitalis (20.2%), and T. verricosum (10.3%) were identified. Vitamin D3 levels were categorized, and statistical analysis was conducted to explore correlations with infection severity. Results: A significant portion of infected patients showed vitamin D insufficiency (P < 0.001), with 40% of patients aged 51-60 showing severe deficiency (<10 ng/ml). Males exhibited slightly higher deficiency rates compared to females. In contrast, 81.8% of the control group had normal vitamin D levels, suggesting a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and Trichophyton infections. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with a higher incidence of Trichophyton infections. Integrated diagnostic techniques improved pathogen detection. These findings support the role of vitamin D in immune defense, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation may help manage recurrent infections, particularly in high-risk individuals. Further research is needed to validate these findings and guide supplementation strategies in dermatophyte treatment.

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