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Fungal skin infections associated with animal contact

W H Radentz1

  • 1Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock.

American Family Physician
|April 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Zoophilic dermatophytes, fungi primarily infecting animals, can cause inflammatory skin lesions in humans. Diagnosis involves microscopy or culture, with topical treatments for small lesions and oral griseofulvin for scalp or extensive infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Zoophilic dermatophytes are fungi that infect animals and can transmit to humans.
  • Common species include Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
  • Zoophilic infections often present with more inflammation than human-to-human transmitted fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of zoophilic dermatophyte infections in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on zoophilic dermatophyte infections.
  • Description of diagnostic methods including potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and fungal culture.
  • Outline of treatment strategies based on lesion location and extent.

Main Results:

  • Zoophilic dermatophyte infections present with distinct, inflammatory skin lesions.
  • Microscopic examination of skin scrapings (KOH prep) and fungal cultures are key diagnostic tools.
  • Topical antifungal agents are effective for small, non-scalp lesions.
  • Oral griseofulvin is the recommended treatment for scalp and extensive cutaneous infections.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing zoophilic dermatophyte infections.
  • Treatment choice depends on the location and severity of the fungal infection.
  • Understanding the zoonotic transmission of dermatophytes aids in prevention and control.

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