Related Experiment Videos
Fungal diseases of laboratory rodents
1Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506-5606, USA. cpollock@vet.k-state.edu
Abstract:
Although fungal disease is uncommon in rodents, dermatophytosis is the most common mycosis seen in clinical practice. T. mentagrophytes is the most common etiologic agent, and the guinea pig is the most common species affected, although there are reports in all pet and laboratory rodent species except the gerbil. Despite the low incidence of clinical disease, rodents are common asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, and ringworm is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted from rodents to people.
Insights
Dermatophytosis, a fungal infection, is uncommon in rodents but frequently seen in veterinary clinics. Rodents often carry dermatophytes asymptomatically, posing a risk for ringworm transmission to humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Rodent Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Fungal infections (mycoses) are rare in rodents, with dermatophytosis being the most prevalent clinical fungal disease.
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the primary cause of dermatophytosis in rodents.
- Guinea pigs are most frequently affected, but other pet and laboratory rodents can also be infected, excluding gerbils.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and significance of dermatophytosis in rodents.
- To identify the most common etiological agents and affected species.
- To highlight the role of rodents as asymptomatic carriers and the zoonotic potential of ringworm.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical cases and research studies on rodent dermatophytosis.
- Analysis of etiological agents and affected rodent species.
- Assessment of transmission routes and zoonotic implications.
Main Results:
- Dermatophytosis is the most common clinical mycosis in rodents, despite the overall low incidence of fungal disease.
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the leading cause, with guinea pigs being the most susceptible species.
- Rodents frequently act as asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, making ringworm a common zoonotic disease transmitted from them to humans.
Conclusions:
- Rodents, particularly guinea pigs, are significant reservoirs for dermatophytes like T. mentagrophytes.
- Asymptomatic carriage in rodents poses a public health risk due to the high zoonotic potential of ringworm.
- Veterinary awareness and diagnostic vigilance are crucial for managing dermatophytosis in rodent populations and preventing human transmission.