Abstract

Onychomycosis, one of the most common nail infections caused by dermatophytes, yeast and non-dermatophytic moulds accounts for about half of all nail abnormalities and about a third of all fungal infections of the skin. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of onychomycosis and fungal aetiology in this area. A total of 168 samples suspected to be having nail infection were collected and processed. Fungal culture was positive in 119(70.83%) while direct microscopy showed a positivity of 86(51.19%). Distal Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DLSO) was the most common clinical condition observed in 102(60.71%) participants and least 14(8.33%) were seen in candidal onychomycosis (CO). Trichophyton rubrum 36(30.25%) was the most common isolate among the dermatophytes whereas among non-dermatophytic moulds, Aspergillus niger 4(3.36%) was the predominant isolate. Clinical evaluation, direct microscopy and culture are important for proper diagnosis.

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