Isolation of non-dermatophytic moulds (ndms) as emerging opportunistic agents of superficial mycosis

In the past few decades, the incidence of superficial fungal infections has been increasing in the tropical countries like India. This study was carried out to evaluate the presence of non-dermatophytic moulds (NDMs) as emerging opportunistic agents of superficial mycosis from patients presenting at a dermatology clinic. A total of 163 skin, nail and hair samples were collected during a period of May 2012 to January 2013. The samples were divided into two parts, one for direct microscopy and another for culture on Saboraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA). The isolated fungi were identified based on the macroscopic and microscopic features. The culture positivity was found to be 122 (74.8%) cases. Among the culture positive cases, dermatophytes accounted for 73 (59.8%) cases. The isolation rate of non-dermatophytic moulds was found to be 40.2% in 49 cases. The dermatophytes are usually reported as the major cause of these infections. However, the emergence of Non-dermatophytic Moulds (NDMs) as opportunistic agents of superficial mycosis should also be considered in evaluating the culture negative cases for dermatophytes as well as those cases ending up in treatment failure after empirical treatment for dermatophytic infections.