The dysgonic form of Microsporum canis in N.W. London

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Veterinary Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Ringworm is a common fungal infection.
• Microsporum canis is a frequent cause of zoonotic ringworm.
• Dysgonic fungal strains present unique challenges in identification and culture.

Observation:

• The dysgonic form of Microsporum canis was identified as a cause of ringworm in cats, dogs, and humans in N.W. London.
• This strain exhibited unusual morphology and significant lability in culture.
• Case distribution in humans and animals was mapped within the affected area.

Findings:

• The clinical and epidemiological behavior of the dysgonic strain, including four family outbreaks, closely resembled that of the typical Microsporum canis strain.
• Despite its unique characteristics, the strain's disease transmission patterns were not significantly different.
• The origin of this specific dysgonic strain remains undetermined.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for fungal variants to emerge and cause disease.
• Emphasizes the importance of accurate identification of fungal strains, even atypical ones.
• Suggests that standard ringworm control measures may be effective against this dysgonic variant.