الفهرس 
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Abstract
Dermatophytosis is a superfacial dermatological infection caused by a member of dermatophytes fungi, which is a taxonomically related group of fungi causing specific infection of man and animals by invading the superfacial keratinized areas of the body. Recently there has been an increase in the reported dermatophytosis cases, which is partially conditioned by improved diagnosis and partially by the actual increase in mycotic diseases caused by changes in living conditions or by introducing several pharmacological preparations which may reduce the immune response of the human host. The present work aimed at: 1. Study of the prevalence of dermatophytosis in Alexandria. 2. Study the role of ecological factors in dermatophytosis. 3. Evaluate the recent techniques in identification of the etiological agents. 4. Study of the emerging causes of dermatophytosis. 5. Study the sensitivity of the isolates against the traditional and new antimycotics. The present work included 411 patients clinically diagnosed to have dermatophytosis attended the mycology outpatient clinic of the main University Hospital of Alexandria, and Bakous Governmental Dermatology and Venereology Unit. Detailed history including (Name, age, sex, occupation, residence and personal habits). History about onset and course of infection. History of similar or other dermatological lesions in another body sites, history of previously recurrent similar or other dermatological lesions, or other health problems as metabolic disorders, or immunosuppressive disorders were taken. Family history of diabetes or any similar or other dermatological disorders were taken. History of antibiotic, steroid, antifungal (local or systemic) therapy intake was also included. Clinical examination was then done including site of lesion as well as the other body sites that might be affected. The specimens were then collected according to the site of lesion. Nail plate clipping using nail clipper and subungual scraping of the nail debris using small curette. Scalp hair specimens that appeared abnormal were chosen and epilated using sterile forceps. Scales from the edge of glabrous skin lesions were collected using blunt sterile scalpel blade and from cases with multiple or extensive lesions, two skin biopsies of 2 mm diameter were taken using dermatology punch knife (2 mm). The nail plate clippings and the skin biopsies were processed for histopathological examination and examination using transmission electron microscopy for skin biopsies and scanning electron microscopy for nail clippings.