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An Epidemiological Study of Feline and Canine Dermatophytoses in Japan
Shigeo Yamada1, Kazushi Anzawa2, Takashi Mochizuki2
1Yamada Animal Hospital.
Abstract:
In a 2012-2014 epidemiological study of feline and canine dermatophytoses in Japan, we investigated the prevalence of fungi among 296 cats and 170 dogs treated at a veterinary clinic and 51 cats and dogs at an animal shelter at Fukui City in Japan. Microsporum canis was isolated from only one cat out of the 517 animals. Also, from 2012 to 2017, we analyzed isolates from 76 cats and 15 dogs with dermatophytoses at 14 veterinary clinics across 10 prefectures in Honshu and Shikoku. M. canis was the cause for 85 of the cases and Microsporum gypseum for the other six. M. canis infection routes in cats are thought to include stray cats as well as breeding facilities and pet shops, whereas for dogs, only breeding facilities and pet shops. Tinea was found in 18.7% (14/75) of the owners of these animals. We showed that microsatellite genotyping is useful for molecular epidemiological investigations such as determination of infection routes of M. canis.
Insights
Microsporum canis is a common cause of fungal infections in cats and dogs in Japan. Microsatellite genotyping helps identify infection sources, crucial for controlling the spread of dermatophytoses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Mycology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Feline and canine dermatophytoses are significant zoonotic diseases.
- Understanding the prevalence and sources of fungal infections is vital for public health.
- Microsporum canis is a primary etiological agent of dermatophytosis in companion animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of dermatophytoses in cats and dogs in Japan.
- To identify the etiological agents, particularly Microsporum canis.
- To determine the infection routes of Microsporum canis in companion animals.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological surveys conducted between 2012-2014 and 2012-2017.
- Fungal isolation and identification from affected animals.
- Microsatellite genotyping for molecular epidemiological analysis.
Main Results:
- Microsporum canis was identified as the predominant cause of dermatophytosis in cats and dogs.
- A high prevalence of dermatophytosis was observed in animals from breeding facilities and pet shops.
- Human infections (tinea) were found in 18.7% of animal owners.
- Microsatellite genotyping proved effective in tracing infection routes.
Conclusions:
- Microsporum canis poses a significant risk for dermatophytosis in Japanese companion animals.
- Stray animals, breeding facilities, and pet shops are key reservoirs and transmission sources.
- Molecular tools like microsatellite genotyping are essential for effective epidemiological control strategies.
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