Microsporum equinum in North America.
Abstract: Microsporum equinum was isolated in Ontario, Canada, from five human and two equine cases of ringworm infection. This dermatophyte was previously recovered from North American horses on several occasions, but was considered to be M. canis. We regard M. equinum as distinct from M. canis. It can be differentiated from M. canis by the smaller size of its macroconidia, its failure to perforate hair in vitro, its poor growth and sporulation on bromocresol purple casein dextrose agar, and its incompatibility with Nannizzia otae, the telemorph of M. canis.
Publication Date: 1982-11-01 PubMed ID: 7153343PubMed Central: PMC272506DOI: 10.1128/jcm.16.5.943-947.1982Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study discovered a type of fungus, Microsporum equinum, in Canada, which causes ringworm infection in humans and horses, and showed that it differs significantly from another similar fungus, Microsporum canis.
Introduction and Findings
The research focused on a fungus species known as Microsporum equinum discovered in Ontario, Canada. This fungus had infected five human individuals and two horses, causing a common skin condition referred to as ringworm. There have been previous instances where this specific fungus was discovered in horses in North America. However, it was falsely identified as a different fungus, Microsporum canis.
- The researchers argue that Microsporum equinum is distinct from Microsporum canis based on several crucial characteristics.
Difference in Features
Microsporum equinum and Microsporum canis can be differentiated by focusing on their unique attributes. The researchers highlighted four significant differences found in M.equinum:
- Smaller Macroconidia: The first distinguishable feature is that the M. equinum produces macroconidia (a type of fungal spore) that are significantly smaller in size compared to those produced by M. canis.
- Inability to Perforate Hair In Vitro: Unlike M. canis, M. equinum cannot penetrate hair follicles when grown in a laboratory setting.
- Poor Growth on Certain Agar: When M. equinum is grown on bromocresol purple casein dextrose agar, which is a specific type of growth medium, this fungus does not thrive or produce a significant amount of spores compared to M. canis.
- Incompatibility with Nannizzia Otae: M. equinum was found to be incompatible with the fungus Nannizzia otae, which is the telemorph (sexually reproducing form) of M. canis.
These characteristics, as documented by the researchers, make a compelling argument for M. equinum being distinct from M. canis. The discovery and detailed identification of M. equinum allow for better diagnosis and treatment of ringworm infections in both humans and animals, by considering this distinct species.
Cite This Article
APA
Kane J, Padhye AA, Ajello L.
(1982).
Microsporum equinum in North America.
J Clin Microbiol, 16(5), 943-947.
https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.16.5.943-947.1982 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Culture Media
- Horses / microbiology
- Humans
- Microsporum / cytology
- Microsporum / growth & development
- Microsporum / isolation & purification
- North America
References
This article includes 15 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Kukhar Y, Bailina G, Smagulova A, Uakhit R, Kiyan V. Characteristics of Chrysosporium spp. Pathogens Causing Skin Mycoses in Horses. J Fungi (Basel) 2025 Apr 9;11(4).
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- Zhou X, Ahmed SA, Tang C, Grisolia ME, Warth JFG, Webster K, Peano A, Uhrlass S, Cafarchia C, Hayette MP, Sacheli R, Matos T, Kang Y, de Hoog GS, Feng P. Human adaptation and diversification in the Microsporum canis complex. IMA Fungus 2023 Jul 24;14(1):14.
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