ONYCHOMYCOSIS: UNRAVELING THE ROLE OF DERMATOPHYTES IN NAIL INFECTIONS

Objective: This study aimed to identify pathogenic fungi that cause onychomycosis and evaluate their clinical presentations and risk factors to enhance management through precise diagnosis and targeted treatment. Methods: The fungi were identified by macroscopic and microscopic morphological features using techniques such as slide cultures, Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) mounts, culture isolation, and Lacto Phenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) staining. Results: 110 nail clippings from patients clinically suspected of onychomycosis were analyzed; 27 had dermatophytic infections. Toenails were involved in 33.8% of the cases, and Distal and Lateral Subungual Onychomycosis (DLSO) was the primary clinical presentation. Trauma was the most common predisposing factor (19%). Conclusion: This study identified dermatophytes as the prime cause of onychomycosis, chiefly affecting toenails with DLSO as the predominant form, and recognized trauma as a key risk factor. Precise identification using traditional diagnostic methods is crucial for targeted treatment and better patient results.