Mokaya.M.T., Adungo.F.O., Makwaga. O., Manyasa .J., Osidiana V., Omao. E., Khamala .K, Andayi .F.O., Adungo N.I. and Mwau.M.
KEMRI: Centre for Infectious & Parasitic Diseases Control Research P.O. Box 3-50400, Busia (K)* Correspondence: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Background: Superficial mycoses, especially those caused by opportunistic diseases, have become substantially more common in recent decades coincident with a dramatic increase in the population of severely immunocompromised patients. This situation has not been successfully tackled to create an increasing interest in approaches to fungal and promote important practical advances in identification procedures.
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of Potassium Hydroxide in identifying the most frequent pathogenic superficial mycoses.
Methods: The specimens for superficial mycoses were collected in a laboratory. Affected areas were cleaned with 70% ethanol before collecting the specimen and mycological analysis of specimens was performed. Each specimen was placed on a slide and a drop of 30 percent potassium hydroxide (KOH) was added and covered by a cover slip, heated gently and examined microscopically.
Results: 354 skin scrapings (180 from females and 174 from males) were collected and analyzed for a period of six months in the year 2007. Of these, 261(74%) had superficial mycoses elements while 93(26%) had none. Of those who had superficial mycoses infection, 137 were females and 124 were males of all ages. The prevalence of fungal skin infection in those below 17 years was 35 % (91), 18-45 years-42% (110) and above 45 years-23% (60). This confirms that, 74% of superficial pathogenic mycoses can be identified using Potassium Hydroxide Solution. 26% need other laboratory techniques for identification.
Conclusion: The rise in the rate of superficial pathogenic mycoses among patients demands the attention of clinician, laboratorians, compliance with standard operating procedures in disinfection and sterilization and more laboratory techniques to identify the associated pathogens.