Retrospective analysis of the superficial dermatomycosis prevalence in areas of the Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan

Aim. Study the epidemiological situation regarding the prevalence of skin, hair or nails superficial mycoses in 15 districts of the Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan for the period from 2000 to 2012.

Methods. Such indicators as the number of patient visits, periodic screening examinations and admissions were analyzed using the current and archived medical records of the Municipal Center for Skin and Sexually transmitted diseases №1, Republican Center for Skin and Sexually transmitted diseases, Republican Paediatric Center for Skin and Sexually transmitted diseases №3 of the Azerbaijan Republic. Skin superficial mycoses were diagnosed after laboratory (microscopic) verification of fungal mycelium presence. Intensive indicators were calculated, such as the prevalence of skin superficial mycoses and the number of patient visits due to skin superficial mycoses.

Results. The prevalence of the skin superficial mycoses has increased in the Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan area at the examined period (2000 to 2012) since 2004, with the prevalence peaks in 2007, 2009 and 2011. Men were twice (61.54%) more commonly affected compared to women (38.06%). The highest prevalence of skin superficial mycoses was registered in age groups of 0-10 (38.69%) and 11-20 (20.83%) years, the main diagnosis were «scalp mycosis» (27.98%) and «tinea versicolor» (22.62%). The prevalence of skin candidiasis (1.19±0.84%), onychomycosis (4.17±1.54%), tinea cruris (5.36±1.74%), combined scalp and glabrous skin mycosis (5.95±1.83%), athlete’s foot (8.93±2.20%), «Kerion» lesions (10.71±2.39%), glabrous skin mycosis (13.10±2.60%) increased. The prevalence of skin superficial mycoses was the highest in 2011 - 1.980±0.388%, the number of patient visits due to skin superficial mycoses - 0.712±0.140%; in 2007 the following numbers were 1.911±0.390% and 0.607±0.124% respectively, in 2009 - 1.637±0.357% and 0.537±0.117%, duplicating the prevalence peaks. High prevalence of superficial dermatomycoses was seen in Khizi and Ismailli Districts, the lowest - in Balakan, Qusar, Oghuz, Shaki Districts. Conclusions. In the current social and economic conditions, the system of complex examination (cultures, microscopy) of patients with skin mycoses is required, as well as the program of targeted preventive measures and improvement of medical and social aid management.