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Parasitic relationship between Microsporum canis and the cat
1Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, Univ. Wyoming, USA.
Medical Mycology
|February 13, 1999
Summary
Microsporum canis (M. canis) is often found on cats, but isolation doesn't always mean infection. Diagnosis of fungal infections requires both culture and microscopic evidence.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Mycology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cats are frequently identified as reservoirs for Microsporum canis (M. canis).
- The role of M. canis as resident flora versus transient organism on feline skin and hair remains debated.
- M. canis isolation is common in cats with exposure risk, but not all positive cultures indicate active dermatophytosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the significance of M. canis isolation in cats.
- To differentiate between M. canis carriage and active dermatophytosis.
- To emphasize diagnostic criteria for feline dermatophytosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on M. canis isolation in cats.
- Comparison of fungal culture results with clinical and microscopic evidence of dermatophytosis.
- Analysis of factors influencing M. canis isolation frequency.
Main Results:
- M. canis is frequently isolated from cats at risk or in contaminated environments.
- The number of culture-positive cats significantly exceeds those with diagnosed dermatophytosis.
- Feline hair coats can reflect environmental M. canis presence, acting as fomites.
Conclusions:
- Culture isolation of M. canis alone is insufficient for diagnosing dermatophytosis.
- Diagnosis requires concurrent microscopic evidence of fungal infection.
- M. canis isolation warrants further investigation for active disease or fomite carriage in cats.
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