Module 13: Intro to Dermatophytes
Module 13.1: Introduction to Dermatophytes
Intro to Dermatophytes
Dermatophytes are a group of cutaneous fungi transmitted to animals by direct contact with arthrospores usually through a superficial wound from contact with another animal (zoophilic), in the environment (geophilic), and those adapted from a human host (anthropophilic).
These infections are found worldwide and more commonly observed in younger or immunocompromised animals. On the animal, dermatophytes infect keratinized structures (stratum corneum, hair, and nails) resulting in most commonly in hair loss, plaque lesions, and hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin). In people, these lesions result in a red rash forming a “ring” thus the common name for this disease is “ringworm”.
In veterinary medicine, there are 3 genera of dermatophytes of medical importance including:
- Microsporum spp.
- Trichophyton sp.
- Epidermophyton sp.
From those 3 genera, there are three species of veterinary significance in small animals and large animals.
Organism |
Classification |
Major source |
Common hosts |
Fun facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Microsporum gypseum |
Geophilic | Saprophytic in the soil of warm and humid climates | Dogs and cats | Challenging to control because it is ubiquitous in the environment |
Microsporum canis |
Zoophilic | Cats | Dogs and cats | The most common cause of dermatophytosis in small animals. Can be found on cats without clinical disease |
Trichophyton mentagrophytes |
Zoophilic | Rodents | All species | Rodent control is an important aspect of prevention and control |
Knowledge check
very primitive spore type, formed by the breaking up or disarticulation of fungal mycelia
