Identification of Cutaneous Fungal Pathogens among Students in a Rural Area
Goodluck Silas *
Medical Laboratory Science, Madonna University Nigeria, Elele-Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cutaneous fungal infections are common superficial infections that affect keratinised tissues such as the skin, hair, and nails. A variety of fungal pathogens cause these infections and constitute a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical regions where environmental conditions favour fungal growth. This study was conducted to isolate, identify, and determine the distribution of cutaneous fungal pathogens among students of Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out involving 45 students with suspected cutaneous fungal infections. Samples were collected from the suspected site of infection and examined microscopically using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) to detect fungal elements. The specimens were subsequently inoculated using the slide culture technique, and fungal isolates were identified microscopically using lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) staining based on their morphological characteristics. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics, and associations between demographic variables and fungal infection were assessed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The total prevalence of the fungal isolates among the study population was 20%. The fungal isolates identified were Microsporum sp. (8.9%), Hortaea sp. (4.4%), Candida sp. (2.2%), Epidermophyton sp. (2.2%), and Penicillium sp. (2.2%). Microsporum sp. was the predominant isolate. Participants aged 11–20 years recorded the highest number of fungal isolates, while females recorded more isolates than males. However, no statistically significant association was observed between fungal infection and age or gender. Microsporum sp. was also the most widely distributed isolate across the hostels surveyed. The study demonstrated the occurrence of diverse cutaneous fungal pathogens among Madonna University students, with Microsporum sp. being the predominant isolate. The findings emphasise the importance of proper laboratory identification of cutaneous fungal pathogens for accurate diagnosis and effective management, as well as the need for good hygiene practices to reduce cutaneous fungal infections among students.
Keywords: Cutaneous, fungi, students and infection