Dermatophytosis constitutes an important public health problem among children worldwide, including Nigeria. This research was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis among school children in Kebbi State, Nigeria. In a total of 460 samples collected using cluster random sampling method from Aliero, Gwandu, Bagudo and Birnin kebbi Local government areas, 400 (86.97 %) yielded significant fungal growth by culture. The prevalence of dermatophytosis was found to be significantly influenced by age and parent occupation. The prevalence of the infection in studied local government areas showed that Gwandu and Bagudo had the highest prevalence rate of 18.48 % each; followed by Aliero with 18.26 %, Birnin Kebbi local government had the least prevalence with 16.95 %. Seven species of fungi belonging to two genera of dermatophytes were isolated. These includes: Microsporuncanis, (8.27 %), M. audouinii (13.14 %), M. gypseum (9.25%), Trichophytonmetagrophytes (27.49 %), T. rubrum (23.60 %), T. verrucosum (12.41%), T. soudanense (5.84).This study demonstrates that the prevalence of dermatophytoses in the schools studied ware significant. Control efforts should target this vulnerable group to reduce its prevalence.
Key words: Prevalence, Dermatophytosis, School, Children, Kebbi.
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