Epidemiology and prevalence of superficial fungal infections among dormitory students in Tehran, Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Pirayehzist Reference Laboratory, Qazvin, Iran; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Animal & Poultry Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

4 Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran Organization, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Superficial fungal infections are one of the most prevalent skin diseases worldwide.
According to clinical reports, dermatophytosis has been the most prevalent form of
superficial infections. It is well documented that the epidemiology of skin infections
might change over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and
prevalence of superficial fungal infections in dormitory students living in Tehran
province. For this purpose, a total of 1441 male students, living in the dorms were
investigated. The results showed that the prevalence and incidence of disease among
dormitory students living in Tehran were 9.16 and 2.77% respectively, while
Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated species (30.34%). Tinea cruris and
Tinea corporis were the dominant clinical forms of the disease. Furthermore, Malassezia
species accounted for 33.3% of infected cases. It could be concluded that although the
prevalence of dermatophytosis is quite low among students but since this disease is highly
contagious, more attention should be made to prevent the occurrence of dermatophytosis
among dormitory students.

Keywords

References

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