ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH TINEA CORPORIS IN YAKURR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Tinea corporis is a dermatophytes infection of skin on the trunk of the body, other than hands, feet, scalp and face. It is characterized circular shaped patches with protruding edges. This research was intended to identify fungal pathogens causing tinea corporis in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Skin scrapping from children of 6-17years were used for the research. Parts of the specimens were treated firstly with 20% koH and viewed under the microscope for the presence of hyphae. The fungal scrapping were also cultured in cornmeal and Sobouraud Dextrose agar, supplemented with Chloramphenicol and Cycloheximide and incubated at 25° c for 6 weeks. After incubation the discrete colonies formed were identified by the characteristics shown in culture plates, five fungal isolates were obtained from the sample: Aspergillus species, Trycophyton spp, Rhizopus, Epidermophyton floccosum, and mucor. This study is an easier way to diagnose Tinea corporis. Skin diseases is seen to be the major problem of humans as the skin serves as the first line of defense for pathogens. The skin should be properly taken care and treated if infections occurs to prevent further pathogenic invasions into the internal organs.