Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Clinically Isolated Dermatophytes: A Cross-sectional Study from Central India

Namrata Manjhi; Dr. Kailash jatav; Dr. Kalpana Sadawarte

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84819

Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Clinically Isolated Dermatophytes: A Cross-sectional Study from Central India

Author(s)	Ms. Namrata Manjhi, Dr. Kailash jatav, Dr. Kalpana Sadawarte
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Dermatophytosis is one of the most common superficial fungal infections worldwide and has shown an increasing prevalence in India due to favorable climatic conditions, poor hygiene, and irrational use of topical corticosteroids. Rapid species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing are essential for effective clinical management. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Central India between January 2023 and January 2026. A total of 380 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis were investigated using potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy, fungal culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Dermatophyte Test Medium, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Chitin Synthase 1 (CHS1) genes followed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism for species identification. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the CLSI broth microdilution method. Results: Culture confirmed dermatophytosis in 220 (57.9%) cases, while KOH microscopy and PCR detected fungal infection in 248 (65.3%) and 239 (62.9%) cases, respectively. Males (62.7%) and individuals aged 21–30 years (33.6%) were predominantly affected. Trichophyton rubrum (43.6%) was the most frequently identified species, followed by T. mentagrophytes (37.3%). Tinea corporis (34.5%) was the commonest clinical presentation. Antifungal susceptibility testing demonstrated the highest in vitro activity for terbinafine (mean MIC 0.06 ± 0.00 µg/mL), followed by itraconazole and ketoconazole, whereas fluconazole exhibited the highest MIC values, indicating comparatively lower antifungal efficacy. Conclusion: Molecular techniques combined with conventional mycological methods significantly improve the diagnosis and species identification of dermatophytes. Terbinafine remained the most effective antifungal agent against the isolates, supporting its continued use as first-line therapy. Routine molecular diagnosis and antifungal susceptibility testing may enhance patient management and facilitate surveillance of emerging antifungal resistance.
Keywords	Dermatophytosis, Dermatophytes, Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR-RFLP, Trichophyton rubrum, AFST.
Field	Biology > Medical / Physiology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84819

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Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Clinically Isolated Dermatophytes: A Cross-sectional Study from Central India

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