Superficial mycoses in the City of Manaus/AM between March and November/2003

Abstract

BACKGROUND - Restricted superficial mycoses are fungal infections that appear on the skin superficial layers and their adnexa. However skin superficial mycoses represented by dermatophytoses and candidiasis can invade the corneal layer. This type of mycosis has a high incidence in the Amazon region. OBJECTIVES - To study the restricted superficial mycoses under the epidemiological and mycological point of view. PATIENTS AND METHODS - Patients presenting clinical suspicion of superficial mycoses submitted to mycological examination from March to November 2003 at the Clinical Mycology Laboratory/CPCS-INPA. RESULTS - Three hundred and ninety-four examinations were carried out throughout the period and 256 were positive. The mycoses with higher incidence were onychomycosis (135) and pityriasis versicolor (98). The most often isolated agents were Malassezia spp. (77) and Candida spp. (72). Tinea capitis was more frequent in pre-school children (3) and onychomycosis in adults (94). Mycoses were more prevalent in women (91). All socioeconomic classes were affected, with a predominance in class C (37). CONCLUSION - Onychomycosis and pityriasis versicolor affected mostly adults and Tinea capitis occured mainly in children. Superficial mycoses were more predominant in women. Malassezia spp. and Candida spp. were the most often isolated agents. ©2006 by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.