INTRODUCTION: In the genus Scopulariopsis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is the most common aetiological agent of @entity281 in @entity1 . It usually affects nails and is one of the commonest moulds associated with onychomycoses. Other forms of @entity281 (skin, subcutaneous, deep tissues, and disseminated @entity281 ) have also been described. AIM: To examine the prevalence of S. brevicaulis in clinical materials obtained from @entity1 suspected of keratinized tissues mycoses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis of the prevalence of S. brevicaulis in clinical specimens was based on mycological test's results carried out for @entity1 who were referred with a suspicion of superficial mycoses to the Department of Mycology, Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College from 1992 till 2012. RESULTS: In the years 1992-2012 16,815 clinical samples (nail scrapings, nail swabs, skin scrapings, skin swabs, hair) were collected. Pathogenic fungi were detected in 7193 samples and S. brevicaulis was present in 255 (3.5%). The prevalence of S. brevicaulis in males and females was comparable. The species was most often isolated from toenails (80%), both from males and females. In the analysed period we observed a decrease in the prevalence of S. brevicaulis. In most cases (60%) S. brevicaulis occurred alone in 40% of S. brevicaulis positive cultures, other fungi were also isolated. The fungi most frequently isolated with S. brevicaulis were @entity12734 , @entity12736 , Penicillium sp., Candida sp., and Aspergillus sp. CONCLUSIONS: Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is not a common cause of superficial @entity364 of keratinized tissues, but is a typical mould associated with toenail @entity6313 . A proper identification of this species in onychomycoses is essential for the implementation of effective antifungal therapy.

21-year retrospective study of the prevalence of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in XXXX suspected of superficial mycoses.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['humans', 'patients'] @entity6313 :: ('MESH:D014009', 'Disease') :: ['onychomycosis'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['infections'] @entity364 :: ('MESH:D009181', 'Disease') :: ['fungal infections'] @entity12736 :: ('523103', 'Species') :: ['T. mentagrophytes'] @entity12734 :: ('5551', 'Species') :: ['Trichophyton rubrum']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['patients']
