Etiological Agents and Predisposing Factors of Superficial Fungal Infections in Northeastern Argentina

TL;DR

This study identifies the causes and risk factors for superficial fungal infections in northeastern Argentina, highlighting the role of dermatophytes and poor socioenvironmental conditions.

Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into the etiology and risk factors of superficial fungal infections in a community in Argentina.

Findings

Dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton tonsurans, were the most common cause of superficial fungal infections.

Male sex, age 1–14 years, and overcrowding were significantly associated with dermatophytosis.

Poor access to sanitation and potable water was prevalent among affected individuals.

Abstract

Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) account for approximately 2% of outpatient visits. Individual, environmental, and socioeconomic factors may increase susceptibility. The objective was to identify the etiological agents of SFIs and the predisposing factors. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients attending the Level I Hospital in Puerto Piray, Misiones Province, Argentina, during a community intervention between 2022 and 2023. Statistical analysis was performed on the studied variables and their association with the identified etiological agents. A total of 138 clinical samples were collected from 107 patients with lesions suggestive of SFIs. Of the samples studied, 37% had an identified etiological agent. The majority were women (65%), those aged over 45 years (29%), and patients with underlying conditions (50%). A lack of access to sewage systems (100%) and potable water (19%) and overcrowding (19%) were observed. Dermatophytes (46%) were the most frequent etiological agents, with Trichophyton tonsurans being the primary species. An association was found between dermatophytosis and male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 4.4), ages 1–14 years (OR: 8.04), and overcrowding (OR: 5.38). In conclusion, the prevalence of SFIs was high in the studied population. The main etiological agents involved were anthropophilic dermatophyte fungi. Socioenvironmental conditions may contribute to the incidence of these pathologies.

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