Dermatophytes in Portugal

Abstract

5100 isolates belonging to 14 spp. of dermatophytes were obtained from 10 011 samples of hair, skin, nail and beard in Portugal over the years 1962–71. The relationship between the species and the site of the disease; the sex, age, occupation of the patients and the origin of the samples was investigated. The biology of the fungi and the epidemiology of the disease were studied. Dermatophytes were found on skin and nails of symptomless individuals and on objects in contact with patients. The fungi were viable for 47 months. Their lipolytic and alkalinisation ability on medium were studied. Cutaneous sensitivity tests, immunofluorescence and immunodiffusion were used to determine host reaction in experimental human infections.