An unusual dermatophyte from horses in New Zealand.

The research focuses on the discovery of an unusual type of fungus, similar to Trichophyton equinum – the typical cause of equine ringworm – that can cause the same disease in horses in New Zealand, despite having a peculiar trait of not needing nicotinic acid for growth.

Study and Identifications

• The researchers have identified the primary causative agent of equine ringworm in New Zealand, which appears to be a species of Trichophyton.
• This new fungus bears resemblance to Trichophyton equinum, a fungus usually responsible for equine ringworm. But, it does not hold the same nutritional requirement for nicotinic acid, which is a distinguishing feature of T. equinum.

Characteristics of the Fungus

• In terms of causing harm, this new fungus mirrors the actions of T. equinum. It causes similar lesions and invades the hair of the horse in a similar manner.
• Morphologically, the new fungus also resembles T. equinum, however, its colonies do not showcase the fringe of pigment around the submerged peripheral growth, which is a characteristic feature of T. equinum.
• The researchers attempted to induce a perfect stage in the fungus, but these efforts were not successful.

Conclusion and Further Study

• Due to the significant similarities with Trichophyton equinum, the researchers have tentatively classified this new fungus as a variety of T. equinum. However, a conclusive assertion necessitates further research and investigation.
• So far, strains of T. equinum showing a requirement for nicotinic acid have not been discovered in New Zealand, making this new find even more unusual.