Association between Onychomycosis, Risk factors, and ABO Blood Groups

¹Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi- Libya

²Department of Microbiology, Benghazi University, Benghazi- Libya

*Corresponding author: Warda Mohammed Bridan, Department of Microbiology, Benghazi University, Benghazi- Libya, Phone: 0925106588, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: September 29, 2025

Publication Date: November 07, 2025

Citation: Kalfa HM, et al. (2025). Association between Onychomycosis, Risk Factors and ABO Blood Group. Dermis. 5(6):56.

Copyright: Kalfa HM, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Background: Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection, associated with significant morbidity and negative impact. Therefore, understanding risk factors for onychomycosis including ABO blood groups may help in prevention and management.  Objective: to assess the association between onychomycosis., risk factors and ABO blood groups. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study conducted on 111 patients with suspected diagnosis of onychomycosis attending dermatology department Benghazi- Libya over a period of one year (2023-2024). All patients were carefully examined including detailed disease history and complete dermatological examination. Nail samples were taken for mycological tests including direct microscopic examination using potassium hydroxide 20%and culturing on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar, containing cycloheximide and chloramphenicol Blood samples were collected from all participants to determine their ABO blood groups. Results: Among the total patients, 88 (79.3%) were females and 23 (20.7) were males and their age ranged from 10 to 89 years. Direct microscopic analysis using KOH was positive in 42 (37.8%) specimens and negative in 69(62.2%) specimens. Mycological cultures were revealed growth in 111 (100%) specimens. Common risk factors in patients included tinea pedis (30.6%), nail trauma (23.5%), hyperhidrosis (17.1%), diabetes (8.1%), and psoriasis (6.3%). Other risk factors were found in (14.4%). Blood group distribution showed that blood group A was the most prevalent (40.5%), followed by group O (37%), group B (13.5%), and group AB (9%). The observed variation in the distribution of ABO blood groups was statistically significant (χ² = 34.27, df = 3, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with tinea pedis, nail trauma, diabetes, and psoriasis were more prone to onychomycosis. A significant association was observed between ABO blood groups and onychomycosis mainly with blood groups A and O.

Keywords: Onychomycosis, Risk Factors, ABO Blood Groups, Tinea Pedis, Nail Trauma, Hyperhidrosis, Diabetes.