Dermatophytosis among Primary School Children in Jos, Plateau StateNigeria

Abstract

Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection of the hair, skin or nails and typically presents with red, itchy, scaly, or raised
patches. The major risk factors for infection are contact sports, excessive sweating, contact with animals, poor hygiene
and immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiologic agents of dermatophytosis
among primary school children in Jos, Plateau State. A total of 598 elementary school pupils, aged 4-15 years with
clinical features of superficial mycoses on different parts of the body and whose parents/guardians signed the consent
were recruited to participate in the study. The specimens were collected aseptically by cleaning the infected area with
70% alcohol, and scrapping the actively growing edge of the lesions into a sterile foil paper using sterile scalpel blades for
each lesion. The samples were transported to the laboratory and subjected to microscopy, culture and identification.
Culture confirmed 530(88.6%) of the infections as dermatophytoses with the commonest being tinea capitis. The
infection was more common in males than females with 63.4% and 36.6% respectively. The age group predominantly
infected was 4-7 years responsible for 49.7% of the infection. Trichophyton rubrum was the commonest agent isolated as
the cause of dermatophytosis among the study participants. This study revealed a high prevalence of dermatophytoses
among the school pupils with males being more affected than female. Children aged 4-7 years are commonly affected
with Trichophyton rubrum the major culprit. This emphasis the need for targeted treatment and control of
dermatophytosis among primary school pupils.