CLINICAL SPECTRUM, ETIOLOGICAL PROFILE, AND ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN IN ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Background: Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds, and yeasts. Accurate clinical and mycological characterization is important for appropriate therapy, especially in view of emerging antifungal resistance. Objective: To study the clinical spectrum of onychomycosis, identify common causative fungal agents, and assess antifungal susceptibility patterns to terbinafine, fluconazole, itraconazole, and griseofulvin. Methods: This descriptive, observational study was conducted in the Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy outpatient department of Rajkiya Medical College and Hospital, Jalaun, Orai, from November 2022 to October 2023.Patients with clinically suspected onychomycosis and positive direct microscopy were included. Nail specimens were examined using potassium hydroxide microscopy, fungal culture, and organism identification. Antifungal susceptibility was assessed for selected systemic agents.