Distribution of dermatophytes from soils of urban and rural areas of cities of Paraiba State, Brazil.

The dermatophytes, keratinophilic fungi, represent important microorganisms of the soil microbiota, where there are cosmopolitan species and others with restricted geographic distribution. The aim of this study was to broaden the knowledge about the presence of dermatophytes in soils of urban (empty lots, schools, slums, squares, beaches and homes) and rural areas and about the evolution of their prevalence in soils of varying pH in cities of the four mesoregions of Paraiba State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from 31 cities of Paraiba State.

Otomycosis: a retrospective study.

Unlabelled: Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear canal with only a few studies about its real frequency in Brazil.

Aim: to evaluate otomycosis frequency and characteristics in patients with clinical suspicion of external otitis.

Study Design: Retrospective study with transversal cohort (2000-2006).

Clinical and mycological study of scalp white piedra in the State of Paraíba, Brazil.

White piedra is a superficial mycoses characterized by nodules on the hair shaft, caused by the basidiomycetous yeasts. In the present study, clinical and mycological findings of scalp white piedra caused by Trichosporon spp. are related.