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[Dermatomycoses due to pets and farm animals : neglected infections?]
P Nenoff1, W Handrick, C Krüger
1Haut- und Laborarzt/Allergologie, Andrologie, Labor für medizinische Mikrobiologie, Partnerschaft Prof. Pietro Nenoff & Dr. Constanze Krüger, Straße des Friedens 8, 04589, Mölbis, Deutschland. nenoff@mykologie-experten.de
Abstract:
Dermatomycoses due to contact with pets and livestock frequently affect children and young adults. Zoophilic dermatophytes are the main important causative agents. It has long been known that the often high inflammatory dermatophytoses of the skin and the scalp are caused mostly by Microsporum canis. Due to an absence of an obligation for reporting fungal infections of the skin to the Public Health Office in Germany, an unnoticed but significant change in responsible pathogens has occurred. Today an increasing number of infections due to zoophilic strains of Trichophyton interdigitale (formerly Trichophyton mentagrophytes) and Trichophyton species of Arthroderma benhamiae are found. The latter mentioned dermatophyte is the anamorph species of the teleomorph Arthroderma benhamiae, which originally was isolated in the Far East (Japan). Source of infection of these dermatophytes are small rodents, in particular guinea pigs. These animals are bought in pet shops by the parents of those children who later are affected by the fungal infection. The coincidental purchase of the relevant fungal pathogen is not obvious to the parents. As a consequence, highly contagious dermatophytoses occur, often tinea capitis sometimes with kerion formation. Further dermatophytes should be considered as cause of a zoophilic dermatomycosis. Both Trichophyton verrucosum, the cause of the ringworm in cattle, and Trichophyton erinacei following contact to hedgehogs are worthy of note. Yeasts cannot be ignored as cause of dermatomycosis, especially Malassezia pachydermatis, the only non-lipophilic species within the genus Malassezia, which can be transferred from dog to men. Cryptococcus neoformans also comes from animal sources. The mucous yeast occurs in bird's dropping, and it causes both pulmonary and central nervous system infections, but also primary and secondary cutaneous cryptococcosis in immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS) as possible consequence after contact to these animals.
Insights
Zoophilic dermatophytes from pets and livestock cause skin infections in children and young adults. A shift in pathogens, including Trichophyton species from rodents and hedgehogs, is noted, alongside yeasts like Malassezia pachydermatis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Dermatology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Context:
- Zoophilic dermatophytes transmitted from pets and livestock are common causes of dermatomycoses, particularly in pediatric and young adult populations.
- Historically, Microsporum canis was the primary agent for inflammatory tinea capitis, but reporting gaps in Germany have obscured evolving pathogen landscapes.
- The increasing prevalence of infections linked to zoophilic strains of Trichophyton interdigitale and Arthroderma benhamiae, often originating from small rodents like guinea pigs, highlights a significant epidemiological shift.
Purpose:
- To identify and characterize the changing spectrum of zoophilic dermatophytes responsible for dermatomycoses in humans, with a focus on recent trends in Germany.
- To raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about the potential for zoonotic transmission of fungal pathogens from common domestic and exotic pets.
- To underscore the importance of considering a broader range of animal-associated fungi, including yeasts like Malassezia pachydermatis and Cryptococcus neoformans, in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous and systemic infections.
Summary:
- Dermatomycoses in children and young adults are frequently caused by zoophilic dermatophytes originating from pets and livestock.
- A notable increase in infections attributed to Trichophyton interdigitale and Arthroderma benhamiae, transmitted from rodents, and Trichophyton verrucosum (cattle) and Trichophyton erinacei (hedgehogs) has been observed.
- Yeasts such as Malassezia pachydermatis (from dogs) and Cryptococcus neoformans (from bird droppings) also represent significant zoonotic causes of dermatomycosis and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for enhanced surveillance and reporting of fungal skin infections to accurately track etiological changes.
- Informs public health strategies and veterinary practices regarding the control of zoonotic fungal diseases.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering animal contact history in the diagnosis and management of dermatophyte and yeast infections.
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