Serum Dectin-2 levels in immunocompetent patients with recalcitrant dermatophytosis: a case-control study

Background Recalcitrant dermatophytosis has become a major clinical problem and a global source of concern. Objectives To measure serum Dectin-2 levels in immunocompetent patients with recalcitrant dermatophytosis. Patients and methods This study comprised 160 participants in total: 80 patients with recalcitrant dermatophytosis and 80 healthy controls who were matched for age and sex. Patients with immunodeficiency diseases, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive medications, or systemic steroids were excluded. All patients were subjected to history taking and dermatological examination regarding the site and size of the lesions, the presence of inflammation, and scaling. Serum Dectin-2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Serum Dectin-2 levels were significantly lower in patients (122.28±37.97 ng/l) compared with controls (387.03±168.94 ng/l), ( P