DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2023.v11i11.014

Pages: 1942-1947

Background: Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) affecting the skin are highly prevalent in both rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. The occurrence and features of these infections differ based on factors such as age, gender, climate, lifestyle, and population migration patterns. Surprisingly, no previous studies have been conducted in Bangladesh to assess the prevalence and patterns of superficial fungal infections. Therefore, this study was initiated to identify the characteristics of SFIs among rural patients seeking medical care at the Dermatology outpatient Department of Dermatology, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objective: The main objective of the study is to assess the pervasiveness of superficial fungal infections in the rural and urban areas of Bangladesh. Methods: From January 2020 to December 2022, there were 3650 patients visited in Dermatology outpatient department. Out of them, 860 patients diagnosed as SFIs (442 males and 418 females), aged between birth to 90 years were included in this study. The diagnosis of SFIs was based on clinical presentation which was confirmed by laboratory direct microscopy and culture. Results: In a comprehensive study involving 860 patients diagnosed with superficial fungal infections (SIFs), the distribution and prevalence of these infections across different age groups and genders were analyzed. The overall gender distribution showed that 51.36% of cases were in males and 48.64% in females. Tinea cruris emerged as the most frequent infection at 22.63%, predominantly affecting males (25.81%). Pityriasis versicolor followed closely with a balanced gender distribution at 12.81%. Notable variations in Tinea pedis and Tinea capitis percentages emphasized the gender-specific nature of certain infections. Among children (0-14 years), comprising 29.95% of the total cases, Tinea capitis was the most prevalent (26.67%), followed by oral thrush (21.67%) and Tinea corporis (13.33%). .......