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Investigation of Intertriginous Mycotic and Pseudomycotic (Erythrasma) Infections and Their Causative Agents With Emphasize on Clinical Presentations



Halvaee S1 ; Daie Ghazvini R1 ; Hashemi SJ1 ; Zibafar E1 ; Yekaninejad S2 ; Geramishoar M1 ; Bakhshi H1 ; Mahmoudi S1, 3 ; Kamali Sarvestani H1 ; Yaghoubi R1 ; Hosseinpour L1 ; Borjian Z1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Iranian Journal of Public Health Published:2018

Abstract

Background: Intertrigo is an erythematous inflammatory condition with multiple etiologies including fungi and bacteria. Intertrigo manifests in different clinical forms with various complaints. This study was conducted to evaluate the causative agents of intertriginous infections with emphasize on clinical presentations. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2015-2016, on 188 patients with clinical suspicion of superficial and cutaneous intertriginous infections in Tehran, Iran. Demographic and additional related data were obtained by questionnaire from all participants. Specimens were collected by gentle scraping of the affected areas. Direct examination and culture were performed for all specimens and grown colonies were identified based on the macroscopic and microscopic features. Supplementary tests were done whenever needed. Data were analyzed in SPSS. Results: Overall, 80 (42.5%) cases with the mean age of 43.5 yr were confirmed for intertrigo. Dermatophytosis was the predominant cause in this study with 36 (45%) cases followed by erythrasma (28 cases, 35%), tinea versicolor (10 cases, 12.5%) and candidiasis (6 cases, 7.5%). Intertrigo lesions with dermatophytic agents significantly were observed in groin in comparison to different infections among body sites (P<0.05). Itching was the most common clinical presentation (57cases, 71.3%) and also significant association between different infections and clinical manifestations were observed (P<0.05). Conclusion: Different clinical manifestations may be observed in infectious intertrigo. Regarding the significant association observed in this study, some clinical features can be used for presumptive diagnosis of diseases but further studies are required to make it clear. © 2018, Iranian Journal of Public Health. All rights reserved.