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aimed to determine the magnitude of tinea capitis, the diversity and species composition of fungi, and the predominant dermatophytes implicated in causing tinea capitis. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a dermatology clinic. Scalp scrapings were collected and cultured, and dermatophyte and non-dermatophyte molds were identified. Results: Of 364 scalp scrapings, fungi were recovered from 301 (82.7%) clinical samples. About 60.7% of the samples were collected from women, while 39.3% were collected from male study subjects. The association between the magnitude of scalp ringworm and gender was not statistically significant (P = 0.105). Two hundred eighty study subjects were less than 15 years of age, of which 254 were culture positive. The association of tinea capitis and the age of patients was statistically significant (P = 0). Three hundred forty-nine fungal isolates were isolated, of which 54.2% were dermatophytes, while 45.8% were non-dermatophyte molds. The occurrence of dermatophytes in their decreasing order was T. violaceum (138; 73%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (18; 9.5%), Trichophyton tonsurans (16; 8.5%), Trichophyton verrucosum (8; 4.5%), Microsporum audouinii (7; 3.7%), Trichophyton schoenleinii (1; 0.5%), and Trichophyton soudanense (1; 0.5%). Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of T. violaceum-induced tinea capitis was reported. The magnitude of scalp ringworm in adults was remarkably high. Therefore, conducting a nationwide epidemiological survey on tinea capitis regardless of age is suggested. The isolation of many non-dermatophyte molds in the current study may shade questions about the perception that tinea capitis is caused by dermatophytes only. Therefore, studies on their potential pathogenic role on skin and skin-related (nail and the scalp) infections appear to be an active field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Onychomycosis is a common refractory fungal infection associated with significant morbidity. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of onychomycosis, and the diversity and species composition of fungal etiological agents. Materials and Methods: A clinic-based, prospective, non-randomized cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2018 and June 2019 at Rank Higher Specialized Dermatology Clinic, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nail scrapings were collected aseptically from 200 patients clinically identified with nail disorders of fungal origin by dermatologists. Fungal etiological agents were identified microscopically and by culture method following standard procedures. Results: Among 200 nail scrapings, 161 (80.5%) samples were found out to be culture positive. Of these, 135 (83.9%) samples yielded single colonies while 26 (16.1%) mixed colonies gave a total of 190 isolates. Among the isolates, 25.8% were dermatophytes while 61.1% were non- dermatophytes molds, and 13.1% were yeasts. Females were more likely to present dystrophic nails than men. Patients in the middle age group were more affected. Trichophyton interdigitale, Aspergillus spp, and Candida albicans were the dominant species. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of onychomycosis in the present study was high. The isolation rate of non-dermatophyte molds was higher than dermatophytes and yeasts. Trichophyton interdigitale, Aspergillus spp, and Candida albicans were the dominant etiological agents. Females and patients in the middle age group were more affected. An increase in the prevalence of non-dermatophyte molds in nail infections dictates further investigation demonstrating how this group of fungi causes onychomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of microorganisms' new resistance mechanism, the emerging and re-emerging of new infectious disease and side effects of antimicrobials threatening our ability to treat infectious diseases. Therefore, researches for the innovation of new drugs are needed through identification of the best candidate like plants which are used in traditional medicine. In Ethiopia, women dye their palms and nails by a root paste of the study plant (Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich) as a beauty treatment, to toughen the skin and to control fungal infections. Objectives: To investigate the antifungal activities, phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography profiling of aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate root extracts of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich. Methods: The roots of Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich were collected from Gurage Zone around Butajira town and processed and extracted using solvents of ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. Agar well diffusion and agar dilution methods were used for screening the antifungal activity of the extracts and for determination of minimal inhibitory concentration, respectively. The minimum fungicidal concentration of the extracts was determined and the plant extracts were subjected to hytochemical screening. Result: From the tested fungi T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes were more susceptible. The study screened the presence of at least 7 phytochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinens, terpenoids, glycosides, quinones and saponins) and 6 compounds in the roots of the study plant. Ethyl acetate extract was more potent and broader spectrum of antifungal activities than ethanol and aqueous extracts. Conclusion: The roots of the study plant showed notable antifungal potency. However, further research should be undertaken to elucidate the involved phytochemicals and compounds present in the extracts and mechanism of action which clear out the road for developing new antifungal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary tract infection is the second most common type of infection and the problem is further compounded by the emergence of drug resistance in bacterial uropathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum of bacterial uropathogens and their drug resistant pattern.Methods: A single institutional cross-sectional study was carried out at Arsho Advanced Medical laboratory from September 2015 to May 2016. A total of 712 urine samples were collected, inoculated onto primary isolation culture media, incubated at 37 °C for 18-24 h, and significant bacteriuria was determined. Identification and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria were determined by using the automated VITEK 2 compact system.Results: Out of 712 urine samples processed, 256 (36%) yielded significant bacteriuria of which 208 (81.25%) were obtained from female and 48 (18.75%) from male patients. Age group of 25-44 were more affected with the infection. Of 256 bacterial isolates recovered, Escherichia coli, was the dominant bacterium. Ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were the least effective drugs while piperacillin/tazobactam was the most effective drug against Gram-negative bacteria. Erythromycin was the least effective drug while vancomycin was the most active drug against Gram-positive bacteria.Conclusions: Observation of many bacterial species causing UTI in this study warrants, a continuous epidemiological survey of UTI in health institutions across the country. High level of drug resistance to the commonly prescribed drugs necessitates a search for other options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]