P099 Molecular Identification of Dermatophyte Species from Eastern Assam, Northeast India

Abstract Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Dermatophyte infections occur worldwide both in developing as well as developed countries. However, species of dermatophytes may vary based on geographical region. Studies on dermatophytes from northeast India are rare. This study was done to know the various species of dermatophytes that are commonly associated with infection in this part of the country. Methods This study was done from 2020-2021. A total of 49 consecutive isolates of dermatophytes isolated from clinically suspected cases attending Assam Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital were subjected to molecular identification by using PCR and sequencing of the ITS region of the ribosomal RNA gene as well as using MALDI-TOF (VITEK MS). Samples from active margin of lesions from skin, nail, and hair were collected and primary identification was done by culture and microscopy as well as conventional phenotypic tests. Culture was done in Sabouraud Dextrose agar, Sabouraud Dextrose agar with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide, and dermatophyte test medium which was followed by genotypic confirmation by PCR of the ITS region and sequencing of PCR amplicons using already published protocols. Results The species isolated were T. rubrum (36.7%), T. interdigitale (32.6%), T. mentagrophytes complex (14.2%), T. tonsurans (8%), M. gypseum (6%), T. violaceum (2%). The cases were clinically found to be T. corporis (44.89%), T. manuum (12.24%), T. pedis (12.24%), T. cruris (10.20%), T. faciei (8.16%), T. capitis (8.16%), and T. unguium (4.08%). Conclusion T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, T. mentagrophytes, and T. tonsurans complex were the predominant species isolated.