Onychomycoses in a Military Population in Brazil

Purpose of Review This study aimed to isolate and characterize filamentous fungi onychomycosis agents in a military population assisted at a hospital outpatient clinic. Recent Findings In onychomycosis, the fungi colonize the subungual region causing thickening, discoloration, or cracking of the nail bed. Samples were collected from patients with clinical sights of onychomycosis. Summary Among 80 samples collected, 50 (62.5%) had positive culture. Isolated dermatophytes (86%) were Trichophyton rubrum (21; 42%), T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale (19; 38%), and Microsporum gypseum (3; 6%) and non-dermatophyte molds were Fusarium spp. (1; 2%), Scytalidium spp. (1; 2%), and Chaetomium globosum (5; 10%). Minimal inhibitory concentrations (mg/L) of terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole necessary to inhibit 50/90% of the isolates were respectively 0.015/0.06, 0.06/0.12, and 32/32. Etiological agents of onychomycosis in a military hospital are similar as reported in studies for the general population. High prevalence of non-dermatophytic agents was observed, especially for Chaetomium globosum .