Characterization of Dermatophytic Fungi Causing Tinea pedis in Fishermen of Karang Serang Village, Tangerang Regency

Abstract

Fishermen are individuals whose primary occupation is catching fish at sea and are at a high risk of experiencing various health disorders. One such risk is infections caused by dermatophytic fungi. A common example of this infection is tinea pedis, which typically appears between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Fishing is considered a high-risk occupation for developing dermatophytosis. One preventive measure against tinea pedis is maintaining good personal hygiene. This study aimed to determine the presence of dermatophytic fungi on the feet of fishermen in Karang Serang Village, Tangerang Regency, and to identify the specific fungal species involved. The research was conducted at the Parasitology Laboratory of Poltekkes Banten using a descriptive method through fungal isolation and identification techniques. A total of 46-foot swab samples from fishermen were collected and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), followed by microscopic examination using Lactophenol Cotton Blue (LPCB) staining. The dermatophytic fungi identified in this study included Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum. The results showed that out of the 46 samples, 21 were positive for dermatophytic fungi.