[Dermatophytoses due to domestic animals]

Dermatophytoses are superficial skin infections due to dermatophytes which are filamentous fungi. Some dermatophytes can be hosted by domestic animals. In Belgium, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes variety mentagrophytes, T. verrucosum and T. equinum are zoophilic species capable of infecting humans. Animals, clinical aspects in humans and the investigations needed will be reviewed. Treatment should target animal and patient but also limit the spread of the infection. Topical therapy is sufficient in cases restricted to the skin. When hair is involved, systemic treatment becomes mandatory. The withdrawal of griseofulvin from the Belgian market more than two years ago has made it necessary to introduce the mode of use of the newer antifungals such as fluconazole, Itraconazole and terbinafine.