MICROSPORUM NANUM: FIRST RECORDED ISOLATION FROM ANIMALS IN THE UNITED STATES

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Veterinary Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Fungal infections in livestock can impact animal health and agricultural productivity.
• Dermatophytosis is a common zoonotic skin disease caused by fungi.
• Microsporum nanum is a known dermatophyte, but its prevalence in swine populations globally is not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the initial identification and characterization of Microsporum nanum fungal infections in a United States swine herd.
• To document the clinical presentation and etiological agent of a novel swine dermatophytosis outbreak.
• To provide foundational data on Microsporum nanum as a potential pathogen in swine.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination of affected swine.
• Isolation and culturing of the causative fungal agent from skin lesions.
• Microscopic identification and characterization of the fungal isolates.
• Experimental inoculation to confirm pathogenicity.

Main Results:

• The first documented cases of Microsporum nanum infection in US swine were identified in a Yorkshire herd in Pennsylvania.
• The isolated dermatophyte demonstrated the ability to readily produce experimental infections in controlled settings.
• Pure culture studies confirmed the identity and characteristics of the fungus.

Conclusions:

• Microsporum nanum is an emerging fungal pathogen capable of causing dermatophytosis in swine in the United States.
• Early detection and identification are crucial for managing and preventing the spread of such infections in livestock.
• Further research into the epidemiology and control of Microsporum nanum in swine is warranted.