Abstract:

Objective: Worldwide, fungal nail infections have been on the increase, with social, cultural and economic factors contributing to it. Information on the spectrum of fungal nail infection is sparse in Nigeria. This study was carried out to establish the infection rates, aetiology and clinical types of onychomycosis in Calabar. Methods: Subjects were drawn from manicure and pedicure salons, farming settlements, mechanic workshops and dermatology clinic. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants for demographic data. Nail scrapings and clippings were obtained from subjects under standard aseptic procedure. Samples were pulverized and subjected to microscopy and culture. Standard mycological techniques were used to identify and characterize isolates. Results: Out of the 32.7% infection rates in the study, males 33.8%% were more infected than females 32.3% and subjects aged 41-50 years had the highest rate of infections. Candida species were more prevalent 63.6% than dermatophytic moulds 36.4%. Trichophyton rubrum was the most prevalent 18.2% dermatophyte. The distribution of pathogenic isolates on fingernails 45.5% and toenails 42.4% was statistically significant (χ2 =7.2, p= 0.03). Disto-lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) 51(50.5%) was the most common type of nail lesion but most of the isolates 14(42.4%) were recovered from TDO. Conclusion: Onychomycosis affected more adults than adolescents of both sexes in our locality. Candida species are becoming prevalent aetiologic agents of these infections, and their importance should not be overlooked in the management of patients. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2016;6(1): 23-27

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