Abstract
PROFILE OF DERMATOPHYTOSIS IN SILCHAR MEDICAL COLLEGE, ASSAM

The dermatophytes are the most significant fungi because of their prevalence all over the world. Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi, all of which produce keratinase, that cause infections of skin, hair and nails called dermatophytosis. Dermatophytosis is getting significant due to advent of immunosuppressive drugs and diseases. The study was carried out in the Dermatology OPD and Department of microbiology, Silchar Medical College & Hospital. A total of 100 specimens were collected including hair, nail and skin for a period of one year. Direct microscopic examination in potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount were carried out. The samples were then cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar(SDA) media with chloramphenicol and Sabouraud dextrose agar media with cycloheximide and incubated for 2-4weeks. Diagnosis was made by studying colony characteristics, microscopic findings and other necessary tests. Out of 100 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis, fungi were demonstrated in 66 cases (66%) either by direct microscopy and/or culture. Thirty-four cases (34%) were positive by both microscopy and culture. Thirty (30%) were positive by microscopy and negative by culture. Two cases (2%) were negative by microscopy but culture positive.