Mycological Profile and Associated Factors Among Patients with Dermatophytosis in Astana, Kazakhstan

Abstract

Dermatophytosis, also known as Tinea infection, remains a significant interdisciplinary concern worldwide. This dermatophyte infection may be more serious in individuals with underlying somatic diseases, immunodeficiencies, endocrine disorders, or chronic illnesses. This study analyzed 313 patients with suspected dermatophytosis. Data were gathered through questionnaires and medical records were reviewed. Biological samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and PCR was employed to assess the genetic diversity of strains. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The overall prevalence of dermatophytosis in the cohort was 30.4%. Among the cultured isolates, 73.7% were identified as Microsporum canis, while 26.3% were identified as Trichophyton species, including T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, and T. verrucosum. Several factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of dermatophytosis, including the following: male gender (AOR = 1.97), age 1-10 years (AOR = 3.80), living in rural areas (AOR = 2.30), visiting public bathhouses (AOR = 2.32), visiting massage parlors (AOR = 1.39), contact with cats (AOR = 2.32), family history of dermatophytosis (AOR = 3.04), and sexual contact with an infected or unknown partner (AOR = 3.08). Dermatophytosis was identified in approximately one third of the patients by culture (30.4%), with the risk heightened in individuals under 10 years old (43.6%), those living in rural areas (33.3%), and those with a family history of dermatophytosis (35.7%) or close contact with cats (39.4%). The findings underscore the need for strengthened preventive measures and targeted diagnostics, particularly among high-risk groups.

Keywords: Kazakhstan; dermatophytes; dermatophytosis; mycological profile; risk factors; tinea.

Figure 1

The relationship between the initial clinical suspicion and the laboratory results.

Figure 2

Growth of pathogenic fungi on Sabouraud dextrose agar and their microscopic structures: (A)—M. canis colonies on Sabouraud agar. (B)—Microscopic structures of M. canis: 1—spindle-shaped macroconidia; 2—conidiophore; 3—septate mycelium. (C)—T. mentagrophytes colonies on Sabouraud agar. (D)—Microscopic structures of T. mentagrophytes: 1—macroconidium; 2—microconidium; 3—septate mycelium; 4—formation of arthrospores; 5—formation of chlamydospores. (E)—T. verrucosum colonies on Sabouraud agar. (F)—Microscopic structures of T. verrucosum: 1—septate mycelium; 2—chlamydospores; 3—macroconidium; 4—microconidium. (G)—T. tonsurans colonies on Sabouraud agar. (H)—Microscopic structures of T. tonsurans: 1—septate mycelium; 2—microconidia; 3—macroconidia; 4—formation of arthrospores.

Figure 3

Clinical presentation of dermatophytosis affecting different body regions: (A)—scalp; (B)—trunk; (C)—groin area.