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Comparative Analysis of Putative Virulence-Associated Factors of Microsporum canis Isolates from Human and Animal

Mariana Lucy Mesquita Ramos1, Rowena Alves Coelho1, Fabio Brito-Santos1

  • 1Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI), Fiocruz, Av. Brazil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil.

Mycopathologia
|July 10, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Microsporum canis virulence factors like enzymes and thermotolerance were compared across dog, cat, and human strains. No significant differences were found, suggesting similar pathogenicity roles in dermatophytosis across hosts.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Veterinary Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Microsporum canis is a common zoophilic dermatophyte causing skin infections in dogs, cats, and humans worldwide.
  • Pathogenicity is linked to enzymes that facilitate skin invasion and colonization.
  • Understanding virulence factors is crucial for effective treatment and control of dermatophytosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the in vitro expression of potential virulence-associated enzymes (keratinase, catalase, urease, hemolysin, aspartic protease) in M. canis strains.
  • To assess the thermotolerance of M. canis strains isolated from different hosts (dogs, cats, humans).
  • To investigate potential differences in these factors between strains from symptomatic and asymptomatic cats.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme activity assays (keratinase, catalase, urease, hemolysin, aspartic protease) were performed on 52 M. canis isolates.
  • Thermotolerance was evaluated by measuring fungal growth at 25°C and 35°C.
  • Statistical analysis compared enzyme expression and thermotolerance across host origins and feline infection status.

Main Results:

  • Variable levels of keratinase, aspartic protease, and hemolysin activity were observed across strains.
  • All strains were low catalase producers; most produced urease.
  • No statistically significant differences in enzyme expression or thermotolerance were found among strains from dogs, cats, or humans.
  • No differences were noted between strains from symptomatic and asymptomatic cats.

Conclusions:

  • The studied enzymes and thermotolerance do not appear to be significant differentiating factors among M. canis strains from various hosts.
  • These virulence-associated factors likely play a similar role in the pathogenicity of M. canis infections in humans, dogs, and cats.
  • Virulence in feline dermatophytosis caused by M. canis may not be significantly influenced by these specific factors.
Keywords:
DermatophytosisEnzymesMicrosporum canisThermotoleranceVirulence

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