epidemiological investigation of superficial fungal infections and associated factors in a tertiary care hospital of kashmir

Introduction: superficial mycoses are a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in regions like india, due to their high disease burden and impact on quality of life. this study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of superficial fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital in kashmir, examining their prevalence, etiological agents, anatomical involvement, and associated risk factors. methods: a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the government medical college, srinagar, kashmir, from april 2019 to october 2020. a total of 672 patients with suspected superficial fungal infections were enrolled and analyzed using direct microscopy and culture techniques. statistical analyses were performed using spss version 25.0 and r version 4.0.2, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square/fisher’s exact tests for categorical associations. results: among 672 patients (mean age 42 ± 15 years, 52.08% male), dermatophytosis was the most common superficial fungal infection (44.64%), followed by candidiasis (29.76%) and pityriasis versicolor (14.88%). pityriasis versicolor was more frequent in patients younger than 20 years old, while dermatophytosis and candidiasis were prevalent in those aged 20-59 years old. non-dermatophyte fungi, including candida species and non-dermatophyte molds, were more common in nail and skin samples. candida albicans and trichophyton mentagrophytes were the primary causative agents. significant risk factors included diabetes, immunosuppression, antibiotic/corticosteroid use, the sharing of personal items, occupational exposure, excessive sweating, and tight clothing (p < 0.05). conclusion: this study underscores the substantial burden of superficial fungal infections, particularly dermatophytosis and non-dermatophyte mycoses in a tertiary care setting in kashmir. our findings emphasize the need for accurate identification of causative agents and associated risk factors to inform tailored antifungal therapy and preventive strategies.