[Mycological profile of onychomycosis in Yaoundé, Cameroon]

BACKGROUND

The lack of data concerning the mycological spectrum of onychomycosis in Cameroon prompted us to conduct the present study, which aimed to determine the mycological profile of onychomycosis diagnosed during dermatologic consultations in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study held from October 2014 to March 2015 in six hospitals of Yaoundé. Patients suspected of onychomycosis were consecutively recruited during dermatologic consultations; anamnestic and clinical data were recorded and one or several nail fragments sampled for mycological examination (direct examination or culture).

RESULTS

A total of 3457 patients were examined during the study period, 117 of whom were suspected of onychomycosis; 133 samplings were performed. The distolateral subungual form was the dominating one: 72/110; 65.5%. The diagnosis was confirmed with 110 of the 133 samples (82.7%), these collected among 96 patients, hence a prevalence of 2.8% (96/3457). We isolated 99 germs, among which two-co-infestations. Dermatophytes (52/99; 52.5%), especially Trichophyton rubrum (23/52; 44.2%) and Trichophyton verrucosum (11/52; 21.2%) were the main pathogens causing onychomycois of the toes whereas yeasts (43/99; 43.4%), Candida albicans (31/43; 72.1%) in majority, were the prevailing germs incriminated in onychomycosis of the fingers. There were few cases of molds infestation (4/99; 4%).

CONCLUSION

Onychomycosis are common in dermatology consultations in Yaoundé. Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton verrucosum are the main pathogens in cause.