Comparative Activities of Some Antifungal Agents Against Dermatophyte Isolates from School Children with Tinea Capitis.
ABSTRACT
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair caused by dermatophytes. It occurs in all age groups but predominantly found in children.
The antifungal activities such as MIC, MFC and rate of kill of fluconazole, terbinafine, lauric acid and sodium propionate alone and in admixture against dermatophyte isolates from school children with tinea capitis in L. E. A. primary school, Mando, Kaduna, Nigeria were assessed.
T. mentagrophyte, T. tonsuran, T. rubrum, Trichophyton species M. canis, P. furfur. P. hortei were isolated from the school children.
The trichophyton species had the highest order of prevalence (56.67%) followed by P. furfur (20%) while P. hortei was (13.33%) and M.canis was (10%).
The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of fluconazole ranges were (0.5- 1.0mg/ml) and (1.00 – 8.00mg/ml) respectively against the test organisms.
INTRODUCTION
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms including bacteria, mold-like fungi (dermatophytes) and yeast-like fungi (such as candida).
Some of these are useful to the body. Others may under proper conditions multiply rapidly and cause infection. Fungal skin infections are caused by microscopic fungi that flourish on the human skin.
Fungal infection has emerged as a significant clinical problem in recent years (NCCLS 1997). Due to the increasing frequency of fungal infections, mycology is today undergoing renaissance.
The incidence of fungal infection has markedly increased in recent years. Several factors have contributed to this.
These include greater use of immunosuppressive drugs, prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, widespread use of in dwelling catheter and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Fungal infection is divided into systemic infection and dermatophycoses.
Recognition and appropriate treatment of these infections reduce both morbidity and discomfort and lessen the possibility of transmission (Cohn 1992).
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