Onychomycosis: Prevalence, Fungal Pathogens, Risk Factors, and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile among People Living with Diabetes Mellitus in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Context:

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit that over time results in dystrophy and disfigurement. It affects the quality of life and increases the prevalence and severity of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes.

Aim:

The study investigated the prevalence of onychomycosis, the associated fungal pathogens, and their antifungal susceptibility profile in a cohort of people living with diabetes (PLWDM) in Kano, Nigeria.

Settings and Designs:

This cross-sectional hospital-based study recruited and enrolled 300 PLWDM from two major diabetes treatment centers in Kano.

Materials and Methods:

Participants were screened for thickened, brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails, and 30 met the inclusion criteria. Sociodemographic data, clinical history, and other risk factors for onychomycosis were also evaluated. Toenail and fingernail, nail clippings, and scrapings were collected and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). The identification of yeasts and mold isolates was performed using gram stain, germ tube test, CHROMagar, lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB) mount, and slide cultures. Antifungal susceptibility testing was achieved by the agar well-diffusion method.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and associations between variables checked by the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results:

The prevalence of onychomycosis was 63.3% (19/30), and fingernails were mostly affected. Fungal pathogens recovered include dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds, with a predominance of Aspergillus spps. (7/19 (36.8%)), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (4/19 (21.1%)), Trichophyton rubrum (4/19 (21.1%)), and Candida albicans (2/19 (10.5%)). A preponderance of the isolates shows a good susceptibility profile to itraconazole, ketoconazole, and clotrimazole, but demonstrated high resistance to fluconazole. Age and use of oral hypoglycemic agents were some of the risk factors identified.

Conclusion:

The study shows a high prevalence of onychomycosis among PLWDM in Kano and calls for routine screening to minimize or eliminate all possible complications.