Prevalence of dermatophytosis among primary school children in Oke-Oyi community of Kwara state.

BACKGROUND

Dermatophytic infections have been known to impact negatively on health and well-being of children. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, clinical types as well as the etiologic organisms of dermatophyte infection among primary school children aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi community in Kwara state.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 4-months descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 602 children aged 5-16 years in Oke-Oyi community, in Kwara state.

RESULTS

The prevalence of clinically suspected dermatophytoses lesion was 29.9% (180/602). Dermatophyte accounted for 5.0% (30/602) on Sabouraud dextrose agar culture, while non-dermatophyte molds represent majority of isolate i.e., 15.4% (93/602). Tinea capitis is the commonest clinical type, followed by Tinea coporis and then Tinea pedis. Multiple infections are noted in nine respondents. Three species of dermatophytes belonging to only two of the three genera of dermatophytes were responsible for human infection in the area studied, of which Trichophyton mentagrophyte is the commonest, followed by Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton verucossum. Among the non-dermatophytes, Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans predominate.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the prevalence of dermatophytoses in the school studied was significant. Control efforts should target this vulnerable group to reduce its prevalence.