Isolation of Microsporum gypseum from the haircoat of health wild felids kept in captivity in Brazil

Abstract

Dermatophytes are fungi that cause superficial mycoses in animals and humans. While studies have shown that domestic cats (Felis catus) are often asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, and thus a significant source of infection, this aspect has not been studied in relation to their wild relatives. The present study was aimed at determining the presence of dermatophytes on the haircoat of healthy wild felids, kept in captivity at "Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo". Samples were taken from 130 adult animals of both sexes: 25 lions (Panthera leo), 12 tigers (Panthera tigris), 6 jaguars (Panthera onca), 4 leopards (Panthera pardus), 2 snow leopards (Panthera uncia), 2 pumas (Puma concolor), 2 cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), 1 ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), 28 tiger cats (Leopardus tigrinus), 10 margays (Leopardus wiedii), 8 geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi), 22 jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) and 8 pampas cats (Oncifelis colocolo). The samples were obtained by rubbing the haircoat of the animals with squares of sterile carpet, and then seeded onto Petri dishes containing Mycobiotic agar (Difco™). The plates were incubated at 25°C for 4 weeks. The isolates were subcultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol (100mg/L) and cultured on slides for posterior identification by their macro-and microscopic characteristics. Microsporum gypseum was isolated from two apparently healthy lionesses (1.6%), both kept in terrariums. The most prevalent contaminants were of the genera Penicillium (27.9%); Cladosporium (24.5%); Acremonium (12.1%); Scopulariopsis and Chrysosporium (9.8%); and Aspergillus (5.3%). The occurrence of dermatophytes in the haircoat of healthy wild felids, maintained in captivity, confirms their status as asymptomatic carriers and characterizes them as sources of infection for other animals and for humans.

Leopardus braccatus (Carnivora: Felidae)

“…infections and cause superficial mycoses in animals and humans have been found in asymptomatic healthy wild felids in captivity at Fundacao Par que Zoologico de Sao Paulo, Brazil. Samples were taken from 130 adult animals of both sexes, including large, medium, and small cats; specifically, 8 Oncifelis (= Leopardusicoloco were confirmed as asymptomatic carriers and sources of potential infection for other animals and humans (Bentubo et al 2006). Many captive small felid species show some degree of skin disorders, traumatic lesions, enteritis, and dental disorders (Filoni et al 2003).…”

Microsporum canis and other dermatophytes isolated from humans, dogs and cats in mexico city

“…Those who determined the presence of dermatophytes in the hair of cats in cautivity, found M. gypseum in 1.6% of animals and they attributed this finding to the humid conditions, pH and fecal contamination of the place where they are housed [31].…”

Isolation of dermatophytes in wild felids from screening centers

“…While studies have shown that domestic cats ( Felis catus ) are often asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, and thus a significant source of infection this aspect has not been studied in relation to their wild relatives (Bentubo et al , 2006; Brotto et al , 2005). …”

“…Thus, the prevalence of these fungi genera in wild cats is unknown. Given the considerable zoonotic potencial of dermatophytes, it is important to research and identify these fungi at resident and/or transitory microbiota of the fur of wild felids, to determine possible infection sources in unapparent carriers (Bentubo et al , 2006). Therefore, the aim of this study was detect the presence of dermatophyte fungi on the hair and ear canal of free-ranging and transitory confined wild felids, in order to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes on these animals and related it to captivity status.…”

“…The presence of dermatophytes on the fur of healthy wild felids not only increases the risk of illness but also makes them unapparent carriers, characterizing them as a source of infection for other animals and for human being (Bentubo et al , 2006). Understanding this condition is essential in the adoption of prophylatic measures for sanitary maintenance for these animals and the professionals who maintain contact with them.…”