Study of fungal pathogen in onycomycoses patients attending the teaching hospital

Background: Onychomycosis is commonly caused by dermatophytic group of fungi. Non dermatophytic group of fungi are rarely isolated from nail Onychomycosis due to non dermatophytic molds Cladosporium spp . Aim of the study was to isolate and identify fungal agents from nail clipping of patient clinically having onycomycoses. Methods: Clinical samples from 226 clinically suspected onychomycotic patients were processed in the microbiology laboratory. These nail samples were subjected to 40% KOH examination .Samples were cultured on SDA and SDA chloramphenicol and cycloheximide for isolation of causative agents. These were identified microscopically and macroscopically. Results: Total 35.8% samples were positive for fungus and showed fungal elements in 40% KOH mount amongst which 53.08% showed culture positivity. Conclusions: Dermatophytes are the predominant group of fungi causing onychomycoses. These studies signify the importance of mycological examination in the diagnosis of nail infections for further effective management.