Screening of superficial fungal infection by potassium hydroxide mount at tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: To find out the superficial fungal infection by potassium hydroxide mount at tertiary Care Hospital Study design: Descriptive retrospective study Place and duration of the study: Department of Microbiology at Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences (MIHS), Provincial Hospital Janakpur Dham from September 2023 to August 2024. Methodology: This study was conducted from September 2023 to August 2024, attending Madhesh Institute of Health Sciences, provincial hospital Janakpur Dham in outpatient department (OPD) of dermatology. A total 230 samples including Hair, Skin and Nail were collected in the department of microbiology. Results: Out of 230 clinical samples,189 (82.17%) are positive and 41 (17.82%) are negative for fungal elements. Out of 230 clinical samples 163 (70.86%) are male and 67 (29.13%) are female. In which the majority of positive patients are of the age group 20-40 years constituting 137 (84.04%) of males and 52 (77.61%) are females. Conclusion: The successful screening of fungus in KOH preparation is chiefly a matter of practice. Careful collection and preparation of specimens are crucial, and a few extra minutes spent to follow the procedure accurately are well worth it.