Isolation, Identification and comparatative analysis of SDA and DTM for dermatophytes from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital

Purpose: The purpose of the study is identify and characterizes different species of dermatophytes from 300 clinically defined cases of ring worm infections. Based upon their morphological features studied by microscopic, culture and biochemical techniques and comparison of Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte test medium (DTM) for the primary isolation of dermatophytes from the clinical samples. Method: About 300 samples were collected under sterile precautions and observed under microscopy for fungal elements. The culture was done in SDA and DTM and dermatophytes characterization were done by slide culture, bromocresol purple agar, urease test and hair perforation test. Results: Out of 300 samples, 129(43%) were positive for dermatophytes with majority being Trichophyton mentagrophytes(38.75%) followed by Trichophyton rubrum (27.13%). Various species were isolated from skin, hair and nail samples. There was no statistically significant difference between the SDA and DTM (p< 0.01) in primary isolation of dermatophytes. Conclusion: With the increasing incidence of severe dermatophytic fungal infections has increased significantly in immunocompetant and also in immunocompromised, there arises a need for effective and rapid diagnosis of such infections.