Prevalence of dermatological manifestations due to fungal etiology among HIV patients

The impact of the AIDS epidemic is already severe and continues to increase over the next decades. Many of the fungal infections are opportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients. People with weakened immune system are more vulnerable to fungal infections. The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of dermatological manifestation related to fungal infections among HIV patients and its correlation with CD4 cell count. In this study period a total of 100 HIV seropositive patients with dermatological manifestations were selected, examined for dermatological manifestations and were advised to undergo blood investigation for HIV testing, CD4 count. Patients with dermatological manifestations were analyzed among selected population. CD4 counts were also assessed. All the results were analyzed and tabulated. Out of 100 patients 45 patients were presented with fungal infections. Candidiasis (oral and genital) was present in 32% of patients. Majority (71%) of fungal infections, 32 out of 45 patients (71.1%) were having CD4 count below 200 cells/mm 3 . Dermatophytosis were seen in 9% patients, of which T.cruris accounted for 6% patients and T.corporis 3%. HAART helps the patients to improve the immune system, in turn reduce the morbidity and mortality rate due to opportunistic infections. Need of fungal diagnostic facilities in all health centers to diagnose early and start appropriate treatment.