Study of tinea genitalis in adult female in tertiary care center

Objectives: Tinea genitalis (genital dermatophytosis) is a rising clinical subtype of superficial fungal dermatophytosis, involving the genital region in both males and females. Possible modes of transmission are autoinoculation, sharing clothes, sexual transmission, and others (like poor personal hygiene). The objective of this study is to identify the causative dermatophyte species through potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and culture, and also to assess the antifungal drug sensitivity. Materials and Methods: Seventy female patients, aged 20-60 years, with clinical features suggestive of tinea genitalis were included. Specimens were collected for KOH mount and culture, and antifungal sensitivity testing was performed. Results: Most patients (28/70; 40%) were aged 30-40 years. 40/70 (57.14%) resided in rural areas. 49/70 (70%) were KOH positive; 37/70 (52.8%) were culture positive. Trichophyton mentagrophyte was the predominant isolate (23/70; 32.86%), followed by Trichophyton rubrum (9/70; 12.85%). Itraconazole showed the highest overall sensitivity (29/37; 78.4%), followed by ketoconazole (31/37; 83.8%), whereas fluconazole showed the least (11/37; 29.7%). Topical steroid use and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with antifungal resistance ( P < 0.05). Coexistent tinea corporis was present in 54/70 (77.14%) and tinea cruris in 40/70 (57.14%). Limitations: This study had few limitations including small sample size, study done in single-center , and absence of species identification. Conclusion: The study highlights predominance of infections in females, with Trichophyton mentagrophytes as causative agent of dermatophytosis. The findings emphasize the importance of antifungal susceptibility testing to guide appropriate treatment strategies. Further research is needed to explore potential risk factors and optimize management approaches for tinea genitalis in females.