Epidemiology of dermatophytic infections between 2008 and 2017 in Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of dermatophytoses from 2008 to 2017 in the area of "Barcelonès Nord", located in north-eastern Spain.

Methods: From 2008 to 2017, 13,419 specimens obtained from patients with suspected superficial mycosis were subjected to direct microscopy and culture. Clinical and sociodemographic data were recorded. Proportions were compared using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

Results: Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated fungus (76.1%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes/Trichophyton interdigitale (11.9%) and Microsporum canis (2.9%). Among the population over 15 years of age, tinea unguium pedum (40.4%) and tinea corporis (29.1%) were the predominant dermatophyte infections. Tinea capitis was mostly prevalent (53.6%) among patients up to 15 years of age, followed by tinea corporis (21.4%). We observed an increase in non-endemic anthropophilic dermatophytes (Trichophyton soudanense, Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton violaceum) in the last few years. These species were associated with the population up to 15 years of age (p<0.001), having tinea capitis (p=0.0017) and being of African/Hindustani origin (p<0.001).

Conclusions: We confirmed the spread of T. rubrum as the predominant dermatophyte in our area and reported an increase in non-endemic anthropophilic dermatophytes in the last few years, especially in the African and Hindustani population up to 15 years of age.

Keywords: Dermatofitosis; Dermatophyte infections; Epidemiology; Epidemiología; España; Micosis; Mycoses; Spain; Tinea; Trichophyton.