ISSN: 2456-8090 (online)
DOI: 10.26440/IHRJ/0712.03619
HARISH C. GUGNANI*
Cite this article as: Gugnani HC. Onychomycosis in India and other countries in the Indian subcontinent. Int Healthc Res J. 2024;7(12):RV10-RV16. https://doi.org/10.26440/IHRJ/0712.03619
Author Affiliations:
Contact Corresponding Author at: harish.gugnani[at]gmail[dot]com
ABSTRACT
Onychomycosis is described as the fungal infection of finger or toenails, the nail plate with dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes, or yeasts. It affects approximately 5% of the population worldwide, and the prevalence in India is reported to vary from 0.5% to 5%. Onychomycosis (OM) is an intriguing problem for dermatologists around the world. The commonest dermatophytes causing nail infections are Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and Epidermophyton floccosum. The aim of present review is to describe salient demographic and clinical features of onychomycosis in different countries in the Indian subcontinent. The various factors including occupations predisposing to causing onychomycosis are also dealt with.
KEYWORDS: Onychomycosis, Infection, Dermatophytes
INTRODUCTION
Onychomycosis (OM) though asymptomatic can become chronic requiring long-term treatment It is a fungal infection of the nail plate or nail bed. It does not usually cure itself and it can trigger more infectious lesions in other parts of the body. The reported prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing in western countries, presumably due to lifestyle changes and the ageing of the population.1 Approximately 10% of the general population, 20% of the population aged>60 years, up to 50% of people aged >70 years and up to one-third of diabetic individuals have onychomycosis.1 Onychomycosis (OM) is the commonest cause of dystrophic nails, responsible for up to 50% of cases. Apart from significantly damaging the nails, quality of life, and self-image of the sufferer, it also acts as a reservoir of fungal infections carrying important implications for emerging recalcitrant dermatophytosis.2 The common causative pathogens are Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Yeasts and Non-Dermatophyte Molds (NDM) are considered almost equally responsible for other cases.2 A review of epidemiology, diagnosis and management of onychomycosis, showed its prevalence in different studies in Delhi varying from 1.2% to 45% and 2.8% in Rajasthan.3
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN DELHI STATE
In 102 positive cases of OM diagnosed at University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital Delhi, 561/2040 nails (toenails + fingernails) were involved Distal Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DLSO) was the most common clinical variant observed in 80 (78.43%) patients, followed by mixed variant [DLSO+ Total dystrophic OM (TDO)] in 10 (9.80%) patients.4 Endonyx OM was present in 5 (4.90%) while TDO, PSO, and SO were present in 4 (3.92%), 1 (0.98%), and 2 (1.97%) cases, respectively.4 Fungal culture was positive in 57 (55.88%) of which non-dermatophytic moulds (NDMs) constituted approximately half (47.61%) of the isolates, followed by Candida species (30.15%) and dermatophytes (22.22%) of the isolates DLSO was majorly caused by NDMs (51.02%), followed by Candida species (28.57%), and dermatophytes (20.40%).4
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN UTTAR PRADESH
Of the 256 patients with male:female ratio of 3:1. recruited in the study at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, the most affected age group was 20-40 years (52.4%). Tinea corporis et cruris was the most common type observed (27.2%). Potassium hydroxide (KOH) positivity was seen in 211 samples (79.6%) and culture positivity was found in 139 samples (52.4%).5 The most common species identified was Trichophyton mentagrophytes (75.9%). Sensitivity testing was done on fifty isolates of T. mentagrophytes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine and voriconazole were comparable, while griseofulvin showed the highest minimum inhibitory concentration. Itraconazole was found to be the most effective drug, followed by ketoconazole, terbinafine and fluconazole. Griseofulvin was the least effective drug among the tested antifungals.5 In another study conducted in Bareilly, of the 74 cases confirmed by direct microscopy ure in KOH mounts and culture on SDA containing gentamycin and cycloheximide, maximum number of patients (35.1%) were observed in 21-30 years age group followed by 31-40 years (21.6%) and 41-50 years (10.8%).6 Ten patients were above 50 years age in whom increased physical activity and wet work were predisposing factors. Dermatophytes (43.47%) were the predominant group isolated followed by Candida spp.(32.60%) and non-dermatophyte moulds (23.91%) and in the finger nails, Candida spp. 6 (11.54%) were the predominant group isolated followed by 4 (7.7%) and non-dermatophyte moulds 3(5.7%).6
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
In a study conducted in Indira Medical College, Shimla, ten cases of tinea ungum including 8 males and 2 females were identified by microcopy of nail scrapings in KOH and culture on SDA containing. chloramphenicol (0.004%) and cycloheximide (0.05) (HiMedia). The causal agents were Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.7 In another study conducted at Department of Microbiology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, nine patients including 8 females and 1 male wee diagnosed to be case of onychomycosis by microscopic examination of nails scrapings in 10% KOH and lactophenol blue mounts of their culture on macrobiotic agar (HiMedia). Trichophyton mentagrphytes was identified as the causal agent in 7 cases and T. rubrum in 2 cases.18
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN BIHAR
Of 152 cases clinically suspected as onychomycosis, 68 patients aged 12-75 years including 42 males and 26 females showed positive results by microscopy in KOH and culture. Majority of the patients (85.29%) were from rural background, with 22 (32.35%) being farmers, (27.94%) being housewives, 18 (26.47%) laborers, and 9 (13.23%) were students. All the patients belonged to the below poverty line income group.19 There was history of trauma over the involved nail in five patients and repeated contact with detergents. Majority (75%) of the patients were used to wearing chappal. Sixteen patients gave a history of trimming nail with barber and the rest used to do self-trimming. Associated comorbidities were as follows–12 patients had diabetes, two had hypertension. Paronychia was the most common (20 cases, 29.41%) associated cutaneous finding, followed by dermatophytic infections of palms, soles or other areas (16 cases, 23.53%).9 Other associated skin disorders were dermatitis (5 cases, 7.35%), psoriasis (2 cases, 2.94%) and leprosy (1 case, 1.47%).9 The commonest sites of involvement were hands and feet, fingernails being more commonly affected than toenails. Of the causative agents, sole infection by dermatophytes was identified in 52 (76.47%) patients, Candida albicans in 8 (11.76%), Aspergillus niger in 4 (5.88%) patients and Acremonium sp. 1 (1.47%) patient. Mixed infections were found in 3 (4.41%) patients.9
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Of 448 patients with nail abnormalities attending Skin OPD in King George Hospital & Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam 102 cases were confirmed to be cases of onychomycosis Trauma was a predisposing factor in 11 27% of the cases. The duration of lesions varied from 3 months to 15 years. In the majority (38.23%) it was less than one year.10 Candidal onychomycosis was the most prevalent clinical type (58.82%) followed by distal subungual onychomycosis (38.72%). Disease was limited only to fingernails in 57.35% and toenails in 32.35%. Predominant isolates obtained were Candida spp. (56.7%), followed by dermatophytes (38.2%) and non-dermatophyte molds (3.37%). 26.96% of the patients had experienced physical, psychosocial and occupational problems.10
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN KARNATAKA
Till date, five studies of onychomycosis in Karnatka have been reported. In the first study conducted at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, 109 patients were confirmed as cases of onychomycosis by microscopic examination of nail scrapings in KOJ mounts and their culture.11 Toenails were the most frequent site anatomic site involved in 73 (71.57%) cases followed anatomic site involved in 73 (71.57%) cases followed by finger nails in 25 (24.51%) cases and both in 4 (3.92%) cases. Manual laborers, vehicle operators and farmers were the commonest occupational groups. Dermatophytes 25 (48.08%) were the predominant group isolated from toenails followed by non-dermatophyte moulds 8 (15.38%) and Candida spp.2 (3.85%). In the fingernails, Candida spp. 6 (11.54%) were the predominant group isolated followed by dermatophytes 4 (7.7%) and non-dermatophyte moulds 3(5.7%).11 Mixed growth and non-dermatophyte fungi recovered 3(5.7%) cases, included Aspergillus niger, Bipolaris spp. and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis of 2 (3.57%) each and occasionally Aspergillus terreus, A.flavus, Alternaria spp., Fusarium spp., Scytalidium spp. and Scedosporium apiospermum of 1 (1.79%) each were isolated. The other group of fungi isolated were the Candida spp. 10 (17.86%) with C.albicans 6 (10.71%), C. krusei 2 (3.57%), C. tropicalis and C. glabrata of 1 (1.79%) each).11 In the second study conducted at the Department of Dermatology, 101 patients were diagnosed as cases of onychomycosis by microscopy of KOH mounts of nail scraping/clippings and their culture on SDA with or without antibiotics and histopathologic staining with PAS stain.12 In the third study conducted by Department of Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy, Yenepoya Medical College Hospital, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, of the 80 cases with dermatophytosis, 6 with distal lateral subungual distal onychomycosis were confirmed to be that of hat of tinea unguium.13 In the fourth study conducted at Department of Microbiology, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, 60 nails were confirmed with a clinical and mycological diagnosis as cases of onychomycosis by examination of nail scrapings in mounts in KOH and Chicago Sky Blue examination.14 The fifth study deal with a single case of proximal subungual onychomycosis in 60 years- old female with good hygienic practice. Microscopic examination of nail scraping in 40 % KOH showed abundant thin segmented branching hyphae suggestive of dermatophytic infection.15 Inoculation of nail scrapings on slants of SDA with chloramphenicol and dermatophyte test medium and morphology of colonies after 7 days of incubation and smicrscopic 2was positive of hair penetration in vitro and urea hydrolysis .further confirming tis identification, The patient was successfully treated with oral dosage terbinafine 250 mg daily for 6 weeks.15
In the sixth study of 80 patients with current and recurrent derrmatophytsis, six had tinea unguium as demonstrated by presence of hyaline branching septate hyphae or beaded spherical structures (arthrospores) in mounts pf nail scrapings/clippings in 20% KOH and Chicago Sky Blue stain mounts.15 Sharing of linen, family history, and topical corticosteroid abuse were also freqand histopatholic uent among patients with chronic respiratory disease. Six of the case had tinea.15 Diagnosis was SDA involved in five of these cases, one of these case was associated with tinea pedis15, Patients had indoor work and thirty had outdoor work as their occupations. Cases of tinea ungums had finger nail involvement. Tinea unguium of toenail was also associated with tinea pedis in one patient. Comorbidities noted among cases were hypertension (10%); diabetes mellitus (8.8%); ischemic heart disease (1.2%); and bronchial asthma (1.2%), forty-two (52.5%) patients gave history of using topical steroid in some form.15
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN TELANGANA
There is a report of a case of 87 years old female diagnosed at Pratima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar. She had history of uncontrolled hypertension for many years, and as a part of her occupation she worked with tobacco leaves.16 KOH mounts of nal scrapings showed septate hyphae and cultures on SDA after three days showed fast greyish white colonies turning black on 10th day, lactophenol blude munts revealed hyphae bearing dark colored curved conidia. Considering the age, present clinical condition, and potential side effects of the antifungal therapy, no treatment was initiated for the patient.16
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN WEST BENGAL
In a study in Medical College and Hospital in Midnapur, 126 cases were diagnosed as cases of onychomycosis by microscopy in 20% KOH mounts of nail scrapings and their culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) supplemented with antibiotic and cycloheximide and 5% cycloheximide, and dermatophyte test medium.17 The commonest dermatophyte was Trichophyton rubrum recovered from 31 cases followed by T. mentagrophytes recovered from 13 cases and unidentified isolates in 3 cases. Non dermatophytic molds recovered isolates included. Curvularia spp.-3, Aspergillus spp.-4, Alternaria spp.-3 and Fusarium sp.-1.17
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN PUDUCHERRY
The study conducted at Sri Venkateshwara Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Puducherry included 284 confirmed cases of onychomycosis of which 117 (41.1%) were positive for fungal elements by KOH mount 168 (59.1%) samples showed positivity in fungal culture, and 62 (21.8%) samples had positive nail biopsy results.18 Distolateral subungual OM was the most common clinical type (47.6%). Among the fungal isolates, a predominance of dermatophytes was observed followed by yeasts and non-dermatophytes. The distribution of causative agents as per number of cases was as follows: Trichophyton rubrum - 76 cases, T. mentagrophytes- 45 cases, Y. interdigitale -6 cases, T. verrucosum – 4 cases, Epidermophyton floccosum, Aspergillus niger- 10 cases, Fusarium spp.- 6 cases, Candida albicans- 17 cases and C. parapsilosis-4 cases.18
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN SIKKIM
In a study from Gangtok, 32 cases were positive for fungal elements by direct microscopy and culture. Young adults in the age group of 21-30 years were mainly affected. The male: female ratio was 1.125:1. Dermatophytes were isolated in 18 cases (64.29%){19] Trichophyton tonsurans (44.44%) was the most common isolate followed by T. mentagrophytes (22.22%), T. rubrum (11.11%), T. verrucosum (11.11%) and Microsporum audouinii (11.11%). Apart from dermatophytes, Aspergillus niger (21.43%) and Penicillium marneffei (14.28%) were also recovered.19
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE
Out of 384 culture-positive cases, dermatophytes were isolated in 58.08%, yeast in 26.30%, and non-dermatophyte mods in 12.24%. Of the yeasts, Candida albicans was isolated in 59.4% and non-albicans species in 40.59%.20 Antifungal susceptibility tests showed that most of Candida species exhibited 100% susceptibility to most of the antifungal drugs tested, while intermediate resistance to fluconazole and flucytosine was seen in some non- albicans species, viz. C. krusei, C. glabrata, and C. guilliermondii.20
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN PAKISTAN
Of the 100 cases of onychomycosis confirmed by mycologic culture, 72 were women and 28 men, patients. The various clinical types noted were distolateral subungual onychomycosis (47%), candidal onychomycosis (36%), total dystrophic onychomycosis (12%), superficial white onychomycosis (3%), and proximal subungual onychomycosis (2%).21 Candida was the most common pathogen (46%), followed by dermatophytes (43%) (Trichophyton rubrum (31%), T. violaceum (5%), T. mentagrophytes (%), T. tonsurans (2%), and Epidermophyton floccosum (1%) and non-dermatophyte molds (11%) (Fusarium (4%), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (2%), Aspergillus (2%), Acremonium (1%), Scytalidium dimidiatum (1%), and Alternaria (1%).21
Alternate link to Tables/figures (copy/paste link in a new brpwser window): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KTFjoOsPSTinr3BSW0NOYRnPQ_m_Viwo/view?usp=sharing
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN NEPAL
Eighty-two patients of onychomycosis attending the Dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Eastern Nepal over a period of one year were confirmed to be cases of onychomycosis by microscopy and culture, The commonest affected age group was 21-40 years. The male: female ratio was 2.7:1. Fifty-one patients had isolated fingernail involvement, while involvement of toenails was seen in 15 patients.22 Distolateral subungual onychomycosis (67%) was the commonest clinical type followed in decreasing order by superficial white onychomycosis (14.6%), proximal subungual onychomycosis (9.8%), candidal onychomycosis (7.4%) and total dystrophic onychomycosis (1.2%). Trichophyton mentagrophytes (28.8%) was the most common pathogen isolated followed by Trichophyton rubrum (21.2%), Trichophyton tonsurans (11.5%), Candida albicans (11.5%), Trichospron beigelii, (9.6%), Epidermophyton floccosum (7.7%), Trichophyton violaceum (5.8%), and Aspergillus flavus (3.9%). Distolateral subungual onychomycosis was the most common clinical presentation.22
In another study in central Nepal, 218 patients attending Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, during November 2006 to March 2008. wee confirmed by microscopy and culture as cases of onychomycosis. The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 88 years with mean of 32.8 +/- 15.4. Maximum of the patients were in the age group of 21-30 year.23 Duration of the disease varied from 1 month to 15 years. Dermatophytes were isolated in 54.9%, yeasts in 39.6% and non-dermatophyte molds in 5.5% cases. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common fungal isolate (82%). Yeast infection was more common in females. Yeast was significantly more commonly implicated as a pathogen in fingernail onychomycosis. Dermatophytes were more frequently isolated from toenail onychomycosis. Trichophyton rubrum was the most common fungal isolate (82%).23
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN BANGLADESH
Out of 87 patients of onychomycosis diagnosed in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, Dhaka by microscopy of nail clippings/scrapping and culture on SDA and Dermatophyte test medium 54 patients were diabetic and 33 patients were non-diabetic.24 Trichophyton rubrum isolated from 24 diabetic patients and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in 19 diabetic patients. Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species were found in 1 and 2 diabetic patients respectively. On the other hand, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were found in 1 and 2 non-diabetic patients respectively. In non-diabetic patients Candida albicans was isolated in 8 patients non-albicans Candida species were also found in 8 patients.24
ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN SRI LANKA
In a study of 85 patients of onychomycosis diagnosed by microscopy of nail scrappings/clipping in KOH and their culture on SDA containing chloramphenicol + gentamycin, and SDA with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide.25 Eighty-four percent of patients had involvement of their great toes (bilateral- 59, left great toe only-7 and right great toe only-3). Toenails only were involved in 37 percent whereas fingernails only in 12 percent; the thumb nail was the most commonly affected. Both toenails and fingernails were involved in 51% of the cases.25
REFERENCES
© Harish C. Gugnani. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY-NC 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the use is not commercial and the original author(s) and source are cited.
Submitted on: 24-Feb-2024; Accepted on: 09-Mar-2024