Isolation and Identification of Dermatophyte Fungi in Darussalam District, Aceh Besar

Dermatophytosis has been recognized as one of the most common superficial fungal infections, often found in tropical areas with high humidity and high population density. This observational descriptive study aims to isolate and identify dermatophyte species in dermatophytosis cases in Darussalam District, Aceh Besar. A total of 50 clinical samples were examined using the 20% KOH method as well as inoculation for culture in both Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM). The results showed 35 positive samples on the KOH examination. A positive culture in SDA identified Trichophyton tonsurans in 35 samples (70%) and Trichophyton violaceum in 3 samples (6%). Similar to SDA, DTM identified Trichophyton tonsurans as the most common isolate, which was found in 36 samples (72%), followed by Trichophyton violaceum in 3 samples (6%), and Epidermophyton floccosum in 1 sample (2%). These findings demonstrate the predominance of T. tonsurans as the primary cause of dermatophytosis, consistent with its anthropophilic properties that facilitate human-to-human transmission. The identification of dermatophyte species through culture plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and control of diseases.