Dermatophytes isolated from selected ruminants in India

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Mycology
• Dermatophytosis Research
• Zoonotic Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Dermatophytes are significant fungal pathogens causing skin infections in animals and humans.
• Ruminants can act as reservoirs for dermatophyte species, posing potential zoonotic risks.
• Limited data exists on dermatophyte prevalence and species distribution in ruminant populations in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify dermatophytes from ruminants in Uttar Pradesh.
• To determine the prevalence of dermatophyte infections in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats.
• To characterize the species of dermatophytes found and note any unusual findings.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 102 skin scrapings from various ruminants in Uttar Pradesh.
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation for direct microscopic examination.
• Fungal culture on appropriate media for isolation and identification of dermatophytes.
• Identification of fungal isolates using morphological and potentially molecular characteristics.

Main Results:

• Potassium hydroxide positive results were observed in 4/22 cattle, 1/9 buffalo, 14/44 sheep, and 2/28 goats.
• Identified dermatophytes included Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton simii, and Microsporum gypseum.
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most frequently isolated dermatophyte across species.
• Isolation of the anthrophilic species Trichophyton rubrum from a cattle skin lesion was a significant finding.
• Other non-dermatophyte fungi such as Aspergillus and Penicillium species were also isolated.

Conclusions:

• Dermatophyte infections are prevalent in ruminants in Uttar Pradesh, with varying rates across species.
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum are common dermatophytes in this region's ruminant population.
• The isolation of Trichophyton rubrum from cattle highlights the potential for host-switching and emphasizes the need for further investigation into its role in animal and public health.