A study on superficial and cutaneous mycosis among Afghan immigrants in Semnan refuge camp

Introduction: Crowded conditions cause increase in the number of infection diseases including mycosis. Asylum seeker camps , as crowded places, play an important role in spreading many infection diseases such as contagious mycosis. The superfacial and coutanous mycosis of man include a wide varity of diseases in which the integument and its appendages, the hair and the nails are involved. Since, the study of mycosis is importance from the aspect of public health, and poor hygiene and other predisposing factors increase mycosis, the present study was performed to assay superficial and cutaneous mycosis and pediculosis in Afghan immigrants. Material and Methods: 1400 persons of Afgan immigrants who live in Semnan refuge camp were clinically examined. Their age were between 1 and 90 years old, 811 (57.9%) and 589 (42.1%) were female and male, respectively. A questionnaire was filled for all individuals. A direct preparation was made using 10% KOH from specimences. In addition, a Gram stained preparation was used for yeast like fungi. All specimens were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (Sc) and Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide (Scc). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and odds ratio (95% Confidence Interval). Results: The prevalence of superficial and cutaneous mycosis were found 2.4% for pityriasis versicolor 2.4%, 1.5% for intertriginous candidiasis, 0.9% for onychomycosis and paronychia, 0.7% for trichomycosis axillaris, 0.4% for erythrasma and finally 0.2% for dermatophytosis. The prevalence of pediculosis was 1.4%. Conclusion: Superficial mycosis was more common than cutaneous mycosis. 5.4% of individuals were infected with superficial mycosis compared to 2.6% of individuals with cutaneous mycosis. Although, tinea capitis was more common in children of rural areas in past, Fortunately, the prevalence of disease has decreased more and this survey confirmed this fact as the lowest prevalence was observed for dermatophytosis (0.2%). The present study signifies the importance of mycological examinations in the diagnosis of various mycoses for their effective management. Therefore, mycological examination is necessary to differentiate and treatment of dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte onycomycosis.