We analysed 2350 biological samples from patients with a clinical diag
nosis of superficial mycoses who attended outpatient services over a 7
-year period. Samples of scales were processed by direct microscopic e
xamination with 15% KOH and cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar with ch
loramphenicol and cycloheximide. Laboratory examination confirmed derm
atophytosis in 860 (36.6%) cases, of which 80.9% were caused by Tricho
phyton rubrum. The most frequently observed dermatophytoses were tinea
unguium (60%) and tinea pedis (25.6%). In agreement with previous obs
ervations, we demonstrate that T. rubrum continues to increase in Mexi
co.