The presence of dermatophytes in infected pets and their household environment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to diagnose dermatophytosis in pets and investigate the presence of dermatophytes in their home environment. Samples from hair coat were collected from 70 pets: 47 dogs, 19 cats, three guinea pigs and one rabbit. After mycological culture, 188 samples were collected from the household environments in 26 homes: 78 from places were of predominantly used by the tutors, 66 from places used by the animals, 44 from flooring, and 24 samples from contactees. Samples were seeded on Mycosel agar, incubated at 25°C, and the colonies were identified by their macro-and-microscopic characteristics. Dermatophytes were found in 37.1% of the samples originating from the sick animals. Microsporum canis was the most prevalent species, isolated in 12 dogs and eight cats; Trichophyton quinckeanum in three guinea pigs, Microsporum gypseum in two dogs and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in one cat. Dermatophytes were found in 69.2% of the surveyed homes; 29.5% of the places/objects predominantly used by the tutors, 42.4% mainly used by the animals, 31.8% from floors, and 50% from contactees. The meeting of dermatophytes in animals and in the household environment confirms the possibility of transmission by direct or indirect contact and their importance in public health.