The prevalence of dermatophyte infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased susceptibility to dermatophytes. METHODS: In this study, we determined the prevalence of cutaneous fungal infection in a cohort of HIV-infected patients and HIV-negative controls, and examined the factors associated with an increased risk of infection. RESULTS: Using a multiple regression analysis, we found that the strongest independent predictor of cutaneous fungal infection in both groups was a self-reported history of homosexual sex. There was no relationship between HIV infection or reduced CD4 count and the prevalence of dermatophyte infection. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection is not independently associated with an increased risk of cutaneous fungal disease.