PREVALENCE OF SUPERFICIAL AND CUTANEOUS MYCOSES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A UNIVERSITY EXTENSION ACTIVITY

Abstract

Objective: To verify the presence of superficial and cutaneous mycoses in the community and develop preventive actions to combat them, thereby providing better quality of life to the population. Methods: In view of the relatively high prevalence of fungal infections, we included in this study patients who had been referred to mycological diagnosis. They were verbally instructed with regard to mycosis concepts, forms of contamination, recurrences, among other subjects. The patients were given an explanatory manual including these guidelines. All procedures were performed by an academic student, who actively participated in all project execution stages, both in practical activities and in the development and implementation of preventive actions. Results: During the years 2013 and 2014, a total of 179 patients were treated and 199 clinical samples were collected from various anatomical sites. After mycological diagnosis, the patient was referred to the Primary Care Unit (PCU) to receive treatment. The most prevalent fungi were the yeasts Candida spp. (24.9%) and dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum (24.9%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (22.4%). Conclusion: The results of the mycological diagnosis confirmed the presence of superficial and cutaneous mycoses in the sample. These findings reinforce the need to develop preventive actions that might reduce the prevalence of fungal infections. DESCRIPTORS Prevalence. Diagnosis. Fungal Infections. Prevention.