Clinicomycological Study of OnychomycosisIn Dermatology Patients Attending A Tertiary Care Hospital.

ABSTRACTBackground: Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit—comprising the nailplate, nail bed, and surrounding tissues. It is a chronic and progressive condition and is themost common disease of the nails, accounting for about 50% of all nail disorders. Whilenot life-threatening, it can cause significant morbidity due to discomfort, pain, and cosmeticconcerns, and it may also serve as a reservoir for fungal infections in other parts of the body,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.Aim: To study and evaluate the clinico-mycological pattern of onychomycosis in patientsattending to Tertiary Care Hospital in Navi Mumbai.Methods: A total of 118 nail specimens were obtained from individuals suspected of havingonychomycosis. Severely affected nail clippings were examined using potassium hydroxide(KOH) mounts for direct microscopy and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar andDermatophyte Test Medium to aid in fungal identification. Results: Out of the 118 cultured nail specimens, 50 fungal organisms were isolated. Themajority of affected patients were aged between 46 and 55 years, with a higher prevalence ofonychomycosis observed in males compared to females. Distal and lateralsubungualonychomycosis was the most common clinical type, seen in 42% of the cases.Among patients with onychomycosis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were thepredominant co-morbid conditions. Dermatophytes were identified in 58% of the cases, while24% showed growth of non-dermatophyte fungi. The main pathogens isolated includedTrichophytonrubrum, Trichophytonmentagrophytes, Candida albicans, and Aspergillusniger,which were responsible for the infections.Limitations: Treatment and further follow up of patients was not done due to time constraintConclusion: Accurate identification of the cause of onychomycosis is essential for effectivetreatment and improved quality of life. While not a major public health risk, early diagnosissupports timely therapy, nail recovery, and prevents complications or recurrence.