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Isolation and Culture of Primary Mouse Keratinocytes from Neonatal and Adult Mouse Skin
Published on: July 14, 2017
Dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi in cats and dogs
Abstract:
During an 11 month period from January to November 1987, dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi were isolated from 70 (75%) of 93 cats and 62 (36.9%) of 168 dogs. The most common isolate was Microsporum canis from 54 (58%) cats and 33 (19.6%) dogs, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes from 5 (5.4%) cats and 9 (5.3%) dogs, Aphanoascus fulvescens (4 cats and 9 dogs), M. gypseum (5 dogs), Tr. terrestre (3 dogs) Myceliophthora vellerea (2 dogs) and Chrysosporium indicum, Chr. merdarium and Chr. tropicum from cats. Alternaria, Scopulariopsis, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus and Acremoniumspp., in descending frequency, were the most commonly found fungi in cats and dogs. The frequent infestation by the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae on M. canis cultures suggest that mites may play a part in the carriage of fungi among animals. This mycophagous mite could disperse the fungi in animal hair by way of their fecal pellets during a transitory infestation. In this instance, the female mite can lay eggs and these could hatch on the animal's hair or in Petri dishes in which hair samples are cultured. In this event the future prospects of animal prophylaxis against dermatophytes could be made more effective by the regular use of acaricide agents on animal hair.
Insights
Dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi, primarily Microsporum canis, were found in 75% of cats and 36.9% of dogs. The mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae may aid fungal dispersal, suggesting acaricide use for prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Animal Dermatology
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Fungal infections, particularly dermatophytosis, are common in domestic animals.
- Identifying causative agents and transmission routes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
- The role of ectoparasites in the dissemination of fungal pathogens warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi in cats and dogs.
- To determine the prevalence of specific fungal species and genera.
- To explore the potential role of the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae in fungal transmission.
Main Methods:
- Fungal isolation from hair samples of cats and dogs over an 11-month period.
- Identification of isolated dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi.
- Observation of mite infestation on fungal cultures.
Main Results:
- Dermatophytes and keratinophilic fungi were isolated from 75% of cats and 36.9% of dogs.
- Microsporum canis was the most prevalent isolate in both species.
- The mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae was frequently found on M. canis cultures, suggesting a role in fungal carriage.
Conclusions:
- Fungal infections are prevalent in cats and dogs, with M. canis being a significant pathogen.
- The mite T. putrescentiae may act as a vector for fungal dispersal among animals.
- Acaricide treatment could be a valuable adjunct to antifungal prophylaxis in animals.
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