Human onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton equinum transmitted from a racehorse.

The research article describes a case study of a farmer who developed a fungal nail infection, called onychomycosis, from a racehorse. The infection was caused by a specific type of fungus, Trichophyton equinum, which was also found in one of the racehorses the farmer was breeding. The farmer was successfully treated with a medication called oral terbinafine.

Case presentation and findings

• The research presents a case study of a farmer who developed a nail infection known as onychomycosis. This condition, usually occurring on the toenail or fingernail, is usually caused by a type of fungus which is known to infect the skin, hair, and nails.
• The patient was a farmer who breeds racehorses, and it was discovered the infection came directly from one of his racehorses. This suggests that this fungus can be transmitted from animals to humans, particularly in environments where close contact is prevalent.

Pathogen Identified

• The causative organism of the infection was identified as Trichophyton equinum. This specific fungus is known to commonly affect horses, which further established the connection between the farmer and the infected racehorse.
• The research did not document any previous known cases of human infection by this particular species of fungi, making this a unique case study in the field.

Treatment and Outcome

• The farmer was given a treatment of oral terbinafine, a common antifungal medication used to tackle various types of fungal infections.
• The treatment was successful as it managed to cure the infection in the farmer. However, the study did not mention whether the infected racehorse also received any treatment nor its condition post the infection.