Dermatophytes in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Dermatology
• Small Animal Medicine

Background:

• Dermatophytosis is a common fungal infection in pets.
• Guinea pigs and rabbits are popular companion animals susceptible to fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and types of dermatophytes in pet Guinea pigs and rabbits.
• To identify risk factors and clinical presentations associated with dermatophytosis in these species.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 2153 samples from Guinea pigs and rabbits with suspected dermatophytosis.
• Prospective examination of healthy animals, animals with skin lesions, and animals with noncutaneous diseases.

Main Results:

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most prevalent dermatophyte species.
• Affected animals were younger than healthy controls.
• Asymptomatic dermatophyte carriers were identified in Guinea pigs but not in rabbits.

Conclusions:

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the primary dermatophyte affecting pet Guinea pigs and rabbits.
• Asymptomatic carriage of dermatophytes is common in Guinea pigs, suggesting a reservoir for transmission.
• Rabbits appear less likely to be asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes.