Dermatophytes isolated from domestic animals in Iran.

This study explores the occurrence of different types of dermatophyte fungi in various domestic animals in Iran, revealing that almost one-third of suspected samples showed the presence of these fungi. Cats were particularly affected, with over half exhibiting dermatophyte infections, predominantly by the Microsporum canis species.

Study Background

• The research was conducted between 1994 and 1998, aiming to investigate the prevalence and types of dermatophytes that could be found in domestic animals in Iran.
• Dermatophytes are a type of fungus that causes infections in the skin, hair, and nails of animals and humans. These infections are collectively referred to as dermatophytoses.
• The researchers collected 790 samples of feather, hair, and skin from a variety of animals suspected of harboring dermatophytoses.

Findings and Implications

• Out of the collected samples, dermatophytes were successfully isolated from 31.4% (248 specimens).
• The most frequently encountered dermatophyte species were Microsporum canis (38.3%), Trichophyton verrucosum (31.8%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (13.3%), and Microsporum gypseum (7.7%).
• Cats were noticeably more vulnerable to dermatophyte cultures as they had significantly higher proportions (54.8%) compared to dogs (8.2%).
• M. canis was the most frequently isolated species from both cats and dogs, with incidences of 87.2% and 50% respectively.
• In ruminants, the most frequent species of dermatophytes was Trichophyton verrucosum, while in horses it was Microsporum equinum, in rabbits Microsporum gypseum, in chickens Microsporum gallinae, and in pet squirrels Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
• This research puts forward valuable information about the prevalence of different types of dermatophyte infections in domestic animals, highlighting a potential area for improved diagnostic and treatment approaches for these infections.

Research Significance

• The study’s outcomes are critical as they shed light on important zoonotic diseases, that is, diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• It provides necessary epidemiological data on dermatophytosis in domestic animals in Iran, which can aid in designing disease prevention and control strategies.
• The high incidence of dermatophytosis, particularly in cats, indicates the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures, especially in households with multiple types of pets.