Asymptomatic and transient dermatophyte carrier state on the skin of university students

Abstract

Introduction. The presence of dermatophytes in asymptomatic
peoples as transitory or permanent carriers has been previously
proved.

Objetives. The aim of this study was evaluate the state of carriage of dermatophytes in the fourth interdigital space of the right foot in asymptomatic students that were in 2006 Mycology pupil’s at the Facultad of Ciencias Exactas of Universidad National in La Plata.

Methods. Before the collection of the samples all the 27 partici-
pants received instructions for the preparation of the skin. None of them showed lesions clinically compatible with dermatophytosis. The samples were obtained by scrapping with scalpel and inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with chloranphenicol and cycloheximida and Lactrimel with chloranfenicol. The cultures were incubated at 28º C for 21 days, before to be interpreted as negative.

Results. In the culture from 3 samples (11%) developed colonies of Trichophyton mentagrophytes. In the samples from these three carriers, obtained 5 months after, none dermatophyte was isolated.

Conclusions.  The presence of dermatophytes in asymptomatic individuals can suggest a latent infection that in presence of favourable conditions could cause clinical manifestations of disease making necessary the antifungal treatment. The finding of dermatophytes as a transient and asymptomatic condition, could be related to local changes on the feet skin in the hot months

(Dermatol Argent 2008;14(4):288-291).

Keywords:dermatophytes carriage, dermatophytes, superficial
mycoses.