Isolation of dermatophyte agents from cats and dogs with skin lesions

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical materials such as skin scrapings and hair samples obtained from cats and dogs for dermatophyte identification by direct microscopy, dermatophyte isolation by cultural methods, respectively. In this research, 100 skin scrapings and hair samples were taken from 50 cats and 50 dogs with skin lesions that were brouhgt to private veterinary clinics in İzmir province. The samples were examined with regard to dermatophyte agents in laboratory of Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology. Fungal hyphas and/or spores were observed in 24 (24 %) out of 100 materials following direct microscopy. Dermatophyte isolations were achieved from 24 (24 %) materials after the culture process. Considering the origins of materials examined, dermatophyte isolation ratios were 34 % in cat materials and 14 % in dogs'. Higher isolation rates were achieved on dermatophyte selective medium (DTM) than sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) after the research. The distribution of isolated strains according to the species of animals was determined to be 53 % Microsporum canis, 12 % M. gypseum and 35 % Trichophyton mentagrophytes in cats; 28.5 % M. canis, 28.5 % T. mentagrophytes, % 28.5 T. rubrum and 14 M. gypseum in dogs. In conclusion, M. canis was the dominantly isolated agent from dermatophytosis suspected cats and dogs and DTM was determined to be more effective than SDA concerning dermatophyte isolations. The feasibility of DTM rather than SDA medium was revealed so that veterinary praticians can easily use DTM medium for dermatophyte susceptible cases. It was also concluded that, owners and veterinarians should be aware and careful when they are in contact with suspected animals whether for examination or hobby, concerning the zoonotical importance of Microsporum and Trichophyton agents.