Dermatophytes on the feet of HIV-infected patients: frequency, species distribution, localization and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Skin scrapings from the toe clefts, soles and nail plates of 138 HIV-infected patients at various stages were examined for the presence of dermatophytes using both microscopy and culture. Dermatophytes, in particular Trichophyton rubrum, could be grown in 58 cases (42%). Although cultures were more often positive in late stages of disease, there was no close correlation with the clinical stage or the T4/T8 ratio. Susceptibility to itraconazole, but not to other antimycotics, was correlated with the immune status (P < 0.05). Pedal dermatophyte infection does not seem to be a major problem in HIV infection.