Study of the dermatophytes in dogs and the risk of human infection.
BACKGROUND
The infiltrative growth of fungi that multiplies in the tissues (dermatophytes, candida, agents of visceral mycoses) is the generally known proof of "active" functioning of these organisms. The relative importance of fungi as inducers of human and animal diseases grows constantly.


METHODS
The study was carried out on dogs that showed skin changes. The frequency of examinations was determined on the basis of anamneses. Skin scrapings and affected fragile or dull hair and skin swabs were subject to Laboratory diagnostic examinations based on cultivation and microscopical examination. Our evaluations were focused on the type of parasite--ecothrix, endothrix, neoendothrix, and the size of arthrospores.


RESULTS
The results of our study are presented as the incidence of dermatophytes and other micromycetes in 100 samples of skin scrapings and swabs from 100 dogs of both sexes, different breeds and age categories that had exhibited skin problems. We isolated 12 species. Malassezia pachydermatis was the most frequently detected species and was isolated from 31 cases. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated from 2 samples, species Microsporum canis was isolated only from one case, Candida albicans was isolated from 3 samples. The agent Candida krusei was isolated from 5 samples, Candida pulcherrima a relatively rare candidal species, was isolated from skin of an 8-year old Dalmatian bitch, Candida sp. in 5 cases. Trichosporon cutaneum was isolated from a 3-year old Laika etc.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms the need of constant research in this area. This indicates that the incidence of mycoses in dogs and other pets is of importance in the exposure of people to the risk of acquiring mycotic infections. (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 57).
Kozak
M
M
The Ist Internal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, State Veterinary Institute, Kosice, Slovakia. kozak@uvm.sk
Bilek
J
J
Beladicova
V
V
Beladicova
K
K
Baranova
Z
Z
Bugarsky
A
A
D000818:Animals; D003883:Arthrodermataceae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000635:transmission*