Introduction: Onychomycosis (OM) is a common nail disorder caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds and yeasts. The increased prevalence of OM along with the wide range of associated fungi necessitates the accurate laboratory isolation and identification of the causative fungus for optimal management strategies. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical, epidemiological and mycological characteristics of OM at a tertiary care hospital in Karimnagar.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Department of Microbiology for a period of one year. 109 patients clinically diagnosed as OM were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination and investigations. Nail clippings and subungual debris of OM patients were subjected to KOH preparation and culture. Isolates were identified by colony characters, pigment production, microscopic morphology.

Results: The maximum number of OM cases belonged to the age group 21-30 years with a male preponderance. Higher incidence was noted in males (71.5%) than females (28.4%). Direct microscopy of the nail clippings in 40% KOH solution was positive in 56.8% and culture was positive in 75.2% cases. The common etiological agent was dermatophytes (45.12% cases) followed by yeasts (34.14% and non dermatophyte molds (20.7% cases). T.rubrum was the commonest among dermatophytes and Candida albicans among the yeasts.

Conclusions: Although onychomycosis is not life threatening, it can cause a significant negative impact on the quality of life of infected patients. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent distortion of the nails which can prevent loss of working efficiency of the commonly affected population.