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Extracellular proteolytic activity and molecular analysis of Microsporum canis strains isolated from symptomatic and
Flávio Cesar Viani1, Paula Regina Cazares Viani, Irma Nelly Gutierrez Rivera
1Laboratorio de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, ICB-USP, Av Prof Lineu Prestes 1374, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. flavio.viani@itelefonica.com.br
Abstract:
Microsporum canis is the main zoophylic dermatophyte in dogs and cats, and it is also an important zoonotic agent. The literature showed that cats are asymptomatic carriers of M. canis. This is apparently due to host resistance and/or the presence of strains with lower virulence. This study was aimed to evaluate the keratinolytic, elastinolytic and collagenolytic activities of M. canis strains and their relationship with symptomatic and asymptomatic cats. In addition, these strains were analysed by RFLP. The strains isolated from cats with clinical dermatophytosis had higher keratinase and elastase activity than those isolated from asymptomatic animals (p minus than 0.05). There were not differences in RFLP patterns based on Hind III digestion.
Insights
Microsporum canis strains from symptomatic cats showed higher enzyme activity than those from asymptomatic cats. This suggests enzyme activity may influence clinical presentation in feline dermatophytosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Dermatophytosis
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Microsporum canis is a primary zoophilic dermatophyte affecting dogs and cats.
- Cats often act as asymptomatic carriers of M. canis, potentially due to host resistance or less virulent strains.
- Understanding M. canis strain virulence factors is crucial for managing dermatophytosis and zoonotic transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the keratinolytic, elastinolytic, and collagenolytic enzyme activities of M. canis strains.
- To correlate enzyme activity with the clinical status (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) of infected cats.
- To analyze M. canis strains using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) for potential strain differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of Microsporum canis strains from cats with and without clinical dermatophytosis.
- Enzyme assays to quantify keratinase, elastase, and collagenase activity.
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using Hind III digestion.
Main Results:
- M. canis strains from cats with clinical dermatophytosis exhibited significantly higher keratinase and elastase activity compared to strains from asymptomatic cats (p < 0.05).
- No significant differences in RFLP patterns were observed among the analyzed strains based on Hind III digestion.
- Collagenolytic activity was not detailed in the provided abstract summary.
Conclusions:
- Higher keratinase and elastase activity in M. canis strains may be associated with the development of symptomatic dermatophytosis in cats.
- Enzyme virulence factors, rather than RFLP patterns (Hind III), might play a role in distinguishing between symptomatic and asymptomatic infections.
- Further research into M. canis enzyme profiles could inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for feline dermatophytosis.
