Factors associated with cutaneous colonization of Mucormycetes in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals

This study was conducted to assess factors associated with cutaneous colonization of Mucormycetes in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. A total of 800 swab samples from 200 participants including 100 diabetics and 100 non-diabetics were collected from four different body sites: (1) the forehead, (2) nasal cavity, (3) hands and (4) feet. Fungal isolation, fungal identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed on the isolates. Overall, 12.0 % of the participants showed Mucormycetes colonization while the commonest fungal isolates were Mucor Species (Spp.). followed by Rhizopus spp. Diabetics had a 11 times higher odds of colonization compared to non-diabetics. The majority of the isolates were resistant to itraconazole; however, all isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B. A significant association was observed between profession and Mucormycetes (P=0.03) with significantly higher colonization in retired people compared to business people. Higher odds of colonization were demonstrated among older ages, lower class status and individuals with prolonged contact time with soil.