Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:
To isolate and identify fungal pathogens associated with dermatophytoses in diabetic patients and identify the spectrum of yeasts colonising diabetic foot ulcers at Kenyatta National Hospital.
DESIGN:
A cross sectional Laboratory based study.
SETTING:
The Kenyatta National Hospital diabetic clinic.
SUBJECTS:
Sixty one patients with diabetic foot ulcers from August to November 2009.
RESULTS:
The five most occurring pathogens were Biopolaris hawaiiensis (5.5%), Trichophyton schoenleinii (3.7%), Aspergillus niger (3.0%), Trichophyton rubrum (3.0%), Fusarium oxysporum (3.0%). Other moulds accounted forless than 3.0%. One suspected case (0.6%) of Penicilium marneffei was isolated although it couldnotbe ascertained due to its high containment requirement. Among the dermatophytes, the most occurring mould was Trichophyton schoenleinii (3.7%) while innon-dermatophyte was Biopolaris hawaiiensis (5.5%). Eight pathogenic yeasts were identified with C. parapsilosis (6.1%) being the most common followed by C. famata (3.0%). Fungal infestation was highest in callus formation (78.6%).
CONCLUSION:
Fungal aetiological agents are significant cause of diabetic woundinfection and may require antifungal intervention for successful management of diabetic foot ulcers.
