Frequency of superficial fungal infections in renal transplant recipients

Objectives to determine the frequency of superficial fungal infections in renal transplant recipients. methods this cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinic,department of dermatology,dow university of health sciences & civil hospital karachi. patients of 20-60 year of age undergone renal transplant 3 to 12 months back were enrolled while patients with diabetes were excluded from study. patients were evaluated for the presence of superficial mycoses. skin scrapings and nail clippings were collected mycologic evaluation. results a total of 62 patients were enrolled. the mean age of enrolled patients was 39.9±10.3 years and 37 (59.7%) were male. the mean duration of transplant was 7.6±2.9 months. 23 (37.1%) were on steroids. fungal infections were documented in 38 (61.3%) patients. of 38 patients,19 (50%) had candidiasis. stratified analysis showed fungal infections to be similar in ≥40 or < 40 years of age (63.6% v. 58.6%),female and male (64% vs. 59.5%); duration of transplant < 8 or > 8 months (63.9% vs. 57.7%) and those who were on steroids (69.6%) or other drugs (62.5%). conclusion it is concluded from this study that patient's undergone renal transplant has increased frequency of fungal infection.