Abstract: In this study, which was carried out for the retrospective evaluation of cat and dog dermatophytosis (fungal infection), samples taken from 164 cats and 357 dogs brought to Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Microbiology Department with the suspicion of dermatophytosis (fungal infection) between 1998-2003 were examined. Dermatophytosis (fungal infection) agents were isolated and identified with a total of 20.3% from suspected dermatophytosis (fungal infection) samples, 21.9% from cats and 19.6% from dogs. In cats and dogs, the isolation rate of Microsporum spp. (60.4%) was found to be higher than Trichophyton spp. (39.6%). In addition, there was no seasonal difference in the occurrence of dermatophytosis.
Key words: Dermatophytosis (fungal infection), cat, dog.
Dermatophytosis (fungal infection) is common all over the world. Individual differences, racial predisposition and environmental conditions are the most important factors in the formation of the disease. Ingestion of fungal spores, contact between animals and infected materials are also important in the formation of infection. Clinically sick and asymptomatic animals play an important role in the transmission of the disease to other animals, humans and the environment. Infection can occur in all age groups and races. The incubation period of the disease is 7-10 days.
Clinical manifestations vary according to the type of fungus causing the disease. Dermatophytosis (fungal infection) lesions caused by M. canis are seen sporadically in cats and dogs. They cause partial hair loss and lesions ranging from scaly to slightly raised round areas. The disease is more common especially in long-haired breeds and it has been reported that it can progress asymptomatically. Trichophyton-induced dermatophytoses (fungal infection) progress with erythema and hair loss, as well as ridges that cause inflammatory lesions such as crusting.
Various types of fungi can cause dermatophytosis (fungal infection) in cats and dogs. Various researchers have reported that other Microsporum species, especially M. canis, are the causative agents of cat and canine dermatophytosis (fungal infection).
As a result, studies should be increased to determine the factors that cause dermatophytosis (fungal infection) at the species level, since most of the dermatophytes isolated from domestic animals can cause disease in humans, and cats and dogs are also potential sources of contamination for humans. At the same time, animal owners should be made aware of dermatophytosis (fungal infection) and keep their animals under regular veterinary control, since small pets are fed within the family in cities and cat-dog dermatophytosis (fungal infection) is important for family health.
Source:
Alper ÇİFTCİ, Tuba İÇA, Barış SAREYYÜPOĞLU, H. Kaan MÜŞTAK
Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Ankara
Ankara University Vet Fak Journal, 52, 45-48, 2005