Prevalence, Etiology, and Risk Factors of Tinea Pedis and Tinea Unguium in Tunisia
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Background: Foot mycoses are a frequent disease that represents a public health problem worldwide.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the epidemiology of foot mycoses among Tunisian patients, in order to determine the fungal etiological agents and to identify possible risk factors.
Patients And Methods: A prospective study of three hundred and ninety-two patients was undertaken during one year (2013-2014). All subjects were asked to collect demographic data related to the risk factors of foot mycoses. A complete mycological diagnosis was carried out on all patients.
Results: A total of 485 samples were collected; tinea pedis and tinea unguium were confirmed in 88.2% of cases. Dermatophytes were isolated in 70.5% and the most frequent pathogen was (98.1%), followed by yeasts (17.7%) commonly . Non-dermatophyte molds (NDMs) were observed in 8.02% cases and sp. was the frequent genus (29.1%). The main predisposing factors of fungal foot infections were practicing ritual washing (56.6%) and frequentation of communal showers (50.5%).
Conclusion: This is a recent survey of foot mycoses in Tunisia. Epidemiological studies can be useful to eradicate these infections and to provide further measures of hygiene and education.
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