Abstract

Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection affecting nails. The primary cause for onychomycosis is Non-dermatophytes, while Candida species have emerged as second-line pathogens. Onychomycosis due to Candida [candidal onychomycosis] is increasingly found in i patients with diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Diabetes can result in complications that affect all systems of the body. Of particular relevance to onychomycosis rates is the effect of (T2DM). on the lower extremities. (T2DM). can lead to lower extremity arterial disease; in turn this can predispose patients to onychomycosis of the toenails.

Materials and methods: Incidence were determined in 116 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients over from September2013 to January 2014 included direct microscopy and repeated cultures. A higher incidence of onychomycosis. who were registered at the Sedee Hussein Polyclinic of Benghazi city.

Results: The prevalence of onychomycosis among diabetics in our study was high, culture was positive in 84 of 116 patients [41%] patients with onychomycosis, laboratory culture identified yeasts as the pathogen in 22% of positive cases.

Conclusion: Onychomycosis is an important cause of morbidity in diabetic patients, increasing their risks for limb amputation and local and systemic secondary bacterial infections. Because onychomycosis is more common in diabetic patients and can complicate the disease, clinicians must be vigilant in its diagnosis and complete in its treatment.

Keywords: Onychomycosis; Non- dermatophytes; Candida; Toenails; Species; Type 2 diabetes mellitus