Infectious Dermatoses in Ziguinchor (Senegal): Epidemiological, Clinical and Evolutionary Particularities

Introduction: Infectious dermatoses are common in tropical countries. Their prevalence varies, with fungal causes predominating. Their severity is linked to the risk of life-threatening systemic complications. We aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary aspects of infectious dermatoses.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 08 months. It included all the records of patients treated for infectious dermatoses in the dermatology department of the Ziguinchor regional hospital. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Info software version 7.2.4.0. and SPSS 13.0 software. Descriptive studies have been carried out by calculating frequencies, proportions and confidence intervals for qualitative variables. And for quantitative data, by calculating averages with their standard deviation. Analytical study using cross-tabulations. To compare frequencies, we used the Chi-square test2 or the Fisher test. The significance level was p < 0.05.

Results: We collected 220 cases of infectious dermatoses, representing a hospital prevalence of 30.3%. The mean age of patients was 30.35 years (107 men and 113 women). Underlying conditions were diabetes in 23cases and HIV 1 infection in 13cases. A high prevalence of mycotic dermatoses has been noted in 50.7% (n=112), dominated by dermatophytosis in 22.7%. Viral dermatoses have been noted in 28.5% (n=63), with herpes zoster predominating in 6.3%,Bacterial dermatoses have been noted in 25.4% (n=56), represented mainly by non-necrotizing dermohypodermatitis in 7.2% (n=16). Parasitic dermatoses have been noted in 11.8% (n=26) and were dominated by scabies in 17.7% (n=40). All patients received etiological and symptomatic treatment. The outcome was favorable in 69.5% (n=153), although mortality was 2.27% (n=5).

Conclusion: Infectious dermatoses are a frequent request for care in tropical Africa, particularly in Ziguinchor. They have been dominated by mycotic and viral infections in children. In adults, diabetes and HIV infection are the major contributing factors. Mortality is linked to necrotizing bacterial dermohypodermatitis. Early diagnosis and management can improve prognosis.