Epidemiological survey of ringworm outbreak in cat shelter

Abstract

Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is the most important infectious and contagious skin disease of cats in shelters. Wherein, the diagnosis, identification and treatment of dermatophytosis is not always effective. Here we report an epidemiological study of the outbreak of feline dermatophytosis in animal shelter in Moscow region. At least 11% of cats kept in the shelter were affected. Seventeen cats suspected dermatophytosis were isolated for mycological examination and treatment, 82% of them were culture-positive. These cats received a course of oral terbinafine, with no topical treatment. Of the dermatophyte-positive cats, 36% demonstrated skin lesions, while 64% were asymptomatic. No mycological control of recovery was carried out after treatment. It was found that 44% of clinically recovered cats turned to be asymptomatic carriers. When examining environmental objects (bedding, cat houses, floors, etc.), dermatophytes were isolated from 80% of the samples. The only causative agent of dermatophytosis was Microsporum canis. The MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of terbinafine for clinical strains of M. canis was determined to be 0.001-0.002 μg/ml. The study confirms the need for large-scale mycological screening of cats in shelters using DTM-type diagnostic media. Oral therapy alone is not sufficient for effective treatment; it should include the whole-body antifungal treatment. Mycological control of cure is also mandatory.