MOLDS IN ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Background. Onychomycosis is a major cause of nail dystrophy. The caus ative organisms in onychomycosis are dermatophytes, Candida and molds. A variety of molds have been isolated from nails. Methods: Nail scrap ings and clippings were collected from 100 cases and inoculated on sla nts containing SDA with cycloheximide 0.5 mg/mL, chloramphenicol 0.05 mg/mL, and SDA with chloramphenicol 0.05 mg/mL. Results: The culture p ositivity rate for molds was 22%. The predominant mold isolates were A spergillus species (86.4%, Fusarium oxysporum (4.5%), Curvularia speci es (4.5%) and Penicillium species (4.5%). Conclusion: Primary invasion of nails by molds can cause onychomycosis.