Five-Year Retrospective Analysis of Superficial Fungal Infections: Insights from Hospital Experience

This study aimed to assess the incidence and distribution of dermatomycetes in patients at the Medical Military Academy (MMA) with suspected superficial skin infections over a five-year period (October 2017 to October 2022) and to analyze variations in fungal infections based on factors such as gender, body part, and time, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 3993 samples were analyzed. Collected data were statistically analyzed with two tests. A total of 1048 samples were positive for fungal infections. Over the study period, <i>Trichophyton mentagrophytes</i> and <i>Trichophyton rubrum</i> were the predominant taxa, while <i>Microsporum canis</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i> were frequently observed. Statistical analysis indicated significant annual variations for <i>T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum</i>, and <i>M. canis</i>, with monthly differences for <i>T. mentagrophytes</i> in June and August and <i>M. canis</i> in October and December. Gender-based analysis showed that <i>T. rubrum</i> and <i>T. mentagrophytes</i> were more common in males, while <i>M. canis</i>, <i>C. albicans</i>, <i>Candida</i> spp., and <i>Geotrichum candidum</i> were more prevalent in females. Analysis by body part revealed that <i>Trichophyton rubrum</i> and <i>Microsporum canis</i> showed significant differences between surface types. These findings can help improve diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative strategies.