IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-6-19601 Original Research Paper Speciation and In vitro Activity of Four Antifungal Drugs against Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes by E–Test Method Badveti Satya Sai Dr. Dr.Veeranna.S Dr. June 2019 8 6 01 02 ABSTRACT

Dermatophytes majorly a saprophytic fungus, have a capacity to invade keratinized tissue particularly skin, hair and nails of humans and other animals to produce infection. According to world health organization (WHO), it is estimated that about 25% of the world’s population are being effected by dermatophytes. Prolonged and inappropriate usage of antifungals has led to genetic mutations and emergence of antifungal resistance strains. Hence this study aimed to species specific identification and determine the MIC values of four antifungal agents against dermatophytes using E–test method. Hence, this laboratory based prospective study was carried out in department of Microbiology, JSS medical college and hospital, Mysore for a period of 1 year. All the samples received in the laboratory with clinical suspicion of dermatophytoses were included and subjected to microscopic examination (KOH wetmount), followed by culture and antifungal susceptibility testing for 4 antifungal agents and the present study helped in determining the activity of four antifungal agents against clinical isolates of dermatophytes using E–strips and we conclude that this method is easy to perform, less laborious and would help in identification of antifungal resistance and also helps in choosing appropriate antifungal agent