Abstract:
Dermatophytosis is a common problem across the globe which is caused by a
group of closely related fungi known as the dermatophytes that have the capacity to invade
keratinized tissues. It is a common refractory infection deleteriously affecting the quality of life.
Despite the common presence of dermatophytes on the human host, contemporary research
around this area is limited.
Objective: this study aimed to assess the magnitude of dermatophytosis and its associated factors
among patients suspected of dermatophytosis at Bisidimo Hospital, east Ethiopia from March to
October 2021.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 289 patients who visit dermatology
department of Bisidimo Hospital. Data were collected by reviewing patients’ chart and using
structured quationary to assess the associated factors of dermatophytosi. Pateins chart were
reviewed to assess chronic conditions. Skin, hair or nail samples were collected by Laboratory
professionals and transported to Medical Microbiology Laboratory at Haramaya University
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences. Samples were inoculated in to Potato dextrose agar
and Sabouraud dextrose agar and fungal isolates were identified morphologically and
microscopically. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version
26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses with 95% confidence interval were
carried out to identify factors associated with the development of dermatophytosis.
Result: The over all magnitude of dermatophytosis was 28.4% (95% CI (23.2-32.2). Out of total 289
dermatophytosis suspected cases 49.1% were diagnosed clinically. Fungi were detected in 33.9% using
potassium hydroxide wet mount. Males (AOR= 2.5; 95% CI 1.96, 4.80), patients in age group of 1-10
(AOR= 3.5; 95% CI 2.07, 5.57), hypertension patients (AOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.12-7.08), patients with
previous family history of dermatophytosis (AOR= 2.0; 95% CI: 1.03, 5.14), and those having history of
animal contact (AOR= 1.5; 95 % CI: 1.07, 4.57) had higher odds to be infected by dermatophytosis.
Conclusions: The overall magnitude of dermatophytosis was 28.4%. Enhancing the control
program by giving special focus to significantly identified factors and further study on molecular
characterization and understanding the antifungal susceptibility pattern of fungi is recommended
