THE SPECTRUM OF DERMATOPHYTES IN NORTHERN MALAWI (AFRICA)

Between 1.5% and 2.5% of the population in Karonga District, northern Malawi (Africa), were diagnosed as having tinea faciei, corporis, ingu inalis or cruris in the course of a total population survey carried ou t between 1987 and 1989. With regard to the relative frequency distrib ution of dermatophytes, the main findings were the rarity of Trichophy ton rubrum (around 1%) and the predominance of Microsporum audouinii ( 57%) in this part of Africa. In the genital area Epidermophyton flocco sum was the most common isolate (56%).