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Dermatophytosis in Companion Animals in Portugal: A Comprehensive Epidemiological Retrospective Study of 12 Years (2012–2023)

Authors :
Ricardo Lopes
Andreia Garcês
Augusto Silva
Paula Brilhante-Simões
Ângela Martins
Luís Cardoso
Elsa Leclerc Duarte
Ana Cláudia Coelho
Source :
Microorganisms, Vol 12, Iss 8, p 1727 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Dermatophytosis, commonly referred to as ringworm, is a common superficial fungal infection in companion animals and humans. Between 2012 and 2023, plucked hair and scraped scale samples from domestic dogs and cats with clinical suspicion of dermatophytosis were collected from 355 veterinary medical centres across mainland Portugal. A total of 4716 animal samples were inoculated onto DERM agar, incubated at 25 °C for up to 4 weeks, and periodically examined macro- and micro-scopically to observe and evaluate fungal growth. Of these, 271 samples were removed due to contaminant fungi. Of the 568 positive cultures, the highest number were from the North (48.1%; 95% CI: 44.0–52.2%) and Centre (32.4%; 95% CI: 28.7–36.4%) regions. Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated species (63.9%), followed by Trichophyton spp. (20.3%) and Nannizia gypsea (formerly Microsporum gypseum) (8.1%). Felines exhibited a higher frequency (17.4%) compared with dogs (9.1%) (p < 0.001). In dogs, the Yorkshire Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Dalmatian and Miniature Schnauzer demonstrated a significant predisposition to dermatophytosis (p < 0.05). In cats, the Persian and Scottish Fold breeds were significantly predisposed (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between sexes (p > 0.05). These findings underscore dermatophytosis as an increasing public health concern due to its zoonotic and contagious nature, providing comprehensive insights into the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in Portugal.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20762607
Volume :
12
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Microorganisms
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.9dff33e2e054eb29593c0f90eda8f41
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081727