Identification of Trichopyton sp. and Microsporum sp. that Causes Tinea Unguium on Farmers

Abstract

Introduction: Tinea unguium is an infection of the nail plate caused by dermatophyte fungi. The majority of livelihoods in Kwarasan Village, Grogol District, Sukoharjo Regency, Indonesia are farmers, where farming habits in this area include work that involves direct contact with soil, water, and mud for long periods without wearing personal protective equipment. Nails that are frequently in direct contact with soil or mud for long periods and are rarely cleaned can trigger fungal growth.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the presence or absence of Trichophyton sp. and Microsporum sp. fungi that cause Tinea unguium in farmers.

Methods: This study used a descriptive study with 20 samples of nail scrapings examined with the criteria of damaged, hardened, thick, uneven, yellow to blackish nails. Examination in this study used a culture method using PDA media.

Results: Based on the results of the study, it was found that 10% of the samples were found to contain Trichophyton sp. Another fungus found was the contaminant fungus Aspergillus sp. at 100%.

Conclusion: The fungi Trichophyton sp. and Microsporum sp. are the cause of Tinea unguium in farmers. Maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle, cleaning nails after activities, and trimming them regularly are important to prevent Tinea unguium infection.