Fungi and blood deficiency factors associated with alopecia patients in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq

Background: When fungi infect the scalp directly, they can cause patchy hair loss and scaling, such as in tinea capitis (ringworm). Alopecia is linked to blood deficiency variables, and the development of hair follicles is significantly influenced by total body iron stores. This work aimed to isolate and Identify fungi associated with alopecia hair loss at Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq. Methods: Samples from fifty patients ( 20 males and 30 females) were collected in sterile polyethylene bags and transferred to the lab till plating out. Direct isolation techniques on different isolation media supplemented, Recovered taxa were phenotypically identified by relevant keys. Results: Six taxa were identified namely: Microsporum canis , Aspergillus flavus, Trichophyton rubrum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium sp., and Candida albicans. Microsporum canis came first by recorded. 50% of frequency of occurrence Aspergillus flavus came second with a percentage of 22%. Two taxa (Trichophyton rubrum and Rhizopus stolonifer ) showed low frequence f occurrence 10%, while Penicillium and Candida albicans had the rare appearance 4% each. The fungi were isolated from men and for all age groups from (5-55) , Microsprum canis , Trichophyton rubrum,Aspergillus flavus,Rhizpus stolanifer and Candida albicans , while the fungal genera were isolated from females Microsprum canis , Trichophyton rubrum,Aspergillus flavus,Rhizpus stolanifer , Candida albicans and Pencillium sp. The frequency rates of the isolated fungi were recorded, with Microsporum canis having the highest frequency rate 78.2%, followed by Aspergillus flavus 10.3%, Trichophyton rubrum 4.5%, Rhizopu stolonifers 3.8%, Candida albicans 1.9%, and Penicillium sp. 1.9%. The ferritin and TSH ratios were measured for (23) samples out of a total of 50 samples to determine the relationship between hair loss and iron deficiency in the body and the relationship between hair loss and thyroid disorders. The results of the tests conducted on these samples showed the appearance of (17) samples suffering from ferritin deficiency. Conclusion: this study highlights the importance of identifying the various fungi that contribute to hair loss in patients consulting dermatologists at Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Muthanna Governorate. , and substantiate the crucial role of hormonal fluctuations in this gender-specific variance. Furthermore, the research underscores the significance of adopting a wholesome way of living to stave off alopecia, particularly among the younger populace.