DERMATOPHYTOSES IN MEXICO-CITY

We analysed 2350 biological samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of superficial mycoses who attended outpatient services over a 7-year period. Samples of scales were processed by direct microscopic examination with 15% KOH and cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide. Laboratory examination confirmed dermatophytosis in 860 (36.6%) cases, of which 80.9% were caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The most frequently observed dermatophytoses were tinea unguium (60%) and tinea pedis (25.6%). In agreement with previous observations, we demonstrate that T. rubrum continues to increase in Mexico.