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Fungal Infections and Studies / Nail Diseases and Treatments · Journal article
Trends in Biological Sciences · August 29, 2026
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This is a descriptive epidemiological survey documenting spatial patterns and prevalence of superficial fungal infections (SFIs) among 850 primary school children across five valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The study identifies SFI prevalence ranging from 60–80% and several associated risk factors (family structure, sanitation, socioeconomic status), but does not establish causal relationships or compare against a control population.
Descriptive cross-sectional survey with geostatistical and GIS mapping analysis. Primary school children attending schools in five valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. No specific age range, grade level, or detailed eligibility criteria stated.. Intervention: Assessment for superficial fungal infection and fungal species identification; structured questionnaire on risk factors administered to infected students.. n = 850. Five valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan; 50 schools, 10 per valley..
SFI prevalence ranged from 60 to 80% across the surveyed region SFI incidence ranged from 14.98 to 26.42% Most common species were T. faciei, T. capitis, and T. corporis; T. manuum was least frequent
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This study documents a high burden of SFIs in a fragile region and identifies sociodemographic and environmental correlates that may inform public health interventions, but does not establish which factors are causally related to infection. Clinicians should view findings as descriptive context rather than as evidence for specific interventions.
Descriptive epidemiological survey with geostatistical mapping in a single region; identifies prevalence and risk factors but lacks a comparator group, control arm, or analytical design to establish causation.
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Quoted from the source exactly as published.
This study documents a high burden of SFIs in a fragile region and identifies sociodemographic and environmental correlates that may inform public health interventions, but does not establish which factors are causally related to infection. Clinicians should view findings as descriptive context rather than as evidence for specific interventions.
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Background and Objective: Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) pose a significant public health challenge, particularly among school-age children worldwide, including in Pakistan, with a specific focus on Gilgit-Baltistan.The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial epidemiology of SFIs in various schools and identify associated risk factors, to implement evidence-based strategies in fragile regions.Materials and Methods: A descriptive, geostatistical, and GIS mapping approach was used in this research.Five valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan were selected, with a total of 50 schools, from which 10 were randomly chosen per valley.A total of 850 primary school children were assessed for SFI infections, and the types of fungal species were determined.To analyze risk factors, infected students were randomly selected and surveyed using a structured questionnaire.Thematic maps were created using ArcMap 10.8 with ArcGIS software's Spatial Analyst function, employing the Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) interpolation method.Results: The study revealed varying spatial patterns of SFI prevalence across the region, with prevalence ranging from 60 to 80% and incidence from 14.98 to 26.42%.The most common species were T. faciei, T. capitis, and T. corporis, with T. manuum being the least frequent.Geo-statistical analysis showed moderate spatial dependency for overall SFI prevalence (67.51) and incidence (72.81), with stronger dependencies observed for specific species.Risk factors identified included joint family systems, pit latrines, pet interactions, sharing personal items, and low socioeconomic status.Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for health education programs to reduce SFI prevalence and mitigate its longterm health and socioeconomic impacts among school children.
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