Occupational Predisposition to Dermatophytes and other Agents of Human Dermatitis in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Five hundred and twenty human samples were collected from patients with dermatitis, who visited the Dermatophilosis research laboratory in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This was in order to determine occupational predisposition to dermatophytes and other agents of human dermatitis. Samples collected were skin scrapping, nails, hair and pus exudates. They were processed according to standard procedure. Four hundred and thirty-three (83.3%) of the collected samples were positive for dermatophytes and other agents of dermatitis. The breakdown of the result along occupational categories were; Students (38.10%), Civil servants (31.64%), Self-employed (12.93%), Housewives (9.24%), Unemployed (4.16%) and Farmers (3.93%). The dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes had the highest frequency of occurrence in Civil servants (28), Students (26) House wives (8) and Unemployed (5). While Aspergillus niger had the highest frequency with the Farmers (4) and Self-employed (11). The students’ were noticed to be more predisposed to dermatophytes and other agents of dermatitis than any other category as a result of poor environmental hostel conditions that facilitate easy spread of infections and their unhealthy habit of sharing clothing and personal items. A vigorus public awareness on the risk involved in unhealthy and unhygienic habits could reduce the spread of these organisms.