Etiology of superficial fungal infections among cleaning staff at University of Sri Jayewardenapura

Abstract

Objective: Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are the infections of the keratinous tissue caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophyte fungi. Cleaners are identified as a risk category for the SFI as they are frequently exposed to moist environment.To determine the etiological agent causing SFIs among cleaning staff at Sri Jayewardenepura University.

Methods: Eighty cleaners were included in the study. Fifty six were clinically suspected for SFIs. Laboratory identification  was done using direct microscopy with 10% KOH or Gram stain followed by culture on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar with or  without 0.05 mg/ml Chloramphenicol at 25ºC- 30 ºC aerobically for three weeks. Speciation was done using   morpho physiological methods.

Results: Forty one (51.2%) had SFIs. Out of the 56 clinically suspected cases 76 specimens were collected from different infected sites. Out of 65 scrapings and nail clippings, 45 (69.2%) were KOH positive while 4 (6.1%) were identified as Pityriasis versicolor by KOH. Sixteen  (24.6%) were negative for KOH. Out of KOH positive specimens only 28 were culture positive while 17 were culture negative.Aspergillus niger was the comments organism isolated from these specimens (20) followed by the non albicans Candida spp. (7), Candida albicans (2), dematiaceous fungi (7), Pityriasis versicolor (4), Fusarium spp. (3) and dermatophyte species.

Multiple fungal species were isolated in 4 specimens.

Conclusion: Aspergillus niger was the commonest pathogen causing SFIs among the study group followed by non albicans Candida spp. Regular examination of this population is recommended because they are at high risk for fungal diseases.