Prevalence of dermatophytes and other superficial fungal organisms in asymptomatic guinea pigs in Southern Italy

Abstract

The results of this study indicate a low prevalence of pathogenic dermatophytes in pet guinea pigs in Southern Italy but the presence of Epidermophyton and Scopulariopsis species in asymptomatic pet guinea pigs.

Colonización por dermatofitos en conejos mantenidos en tiendas de mascotas de Santiago de Chile

“…In this investigation, a trend was observed between the frequency of colonization by dermatophytes and coexistence with guinea pigs; agreeing with previous publications, (4,10,11,18) it would be interesting to confirm this information with additional studies in the country, where a greater number of animals is included; given the probability of transmission of these fungi between animals when they are in direct contact, for example sharing the same cage.…”

“…En esta investigación se observó una tendencia entre la frecuencia de colonización por dermatofitos y la convivencia con cuyes; concordando con publicaciones previas (4,10,11,18). Sería interesante confirmar esta información con estudios adicionales en nuestro país, donde se incluya un mayor número de animales; dada la probabilidad de transmisión de estos hongos entre animales cuando están en contacto directo, por ejemplo compartiendo una misma jaula.…”

“…Actualmente estos hongos pertenecen a la familia Arthrodermataceae, la cual incluye 9 géneros, filogenética y morfológicamente bien definidos (5), dentro de los cuales Microsporum y Trichophyton son los responsables de la mayoría de las infecciones descritas en animales de compañía y exóticos, tales como perros, gatos, conejos, cuyes, hurones y erizos (1)(2)(3)(4)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Los que al convivir en estrecha relación con seres humanos impactan negativamente en su salud, por el riesgo de transmisión de estos hongos desde un animal infectado o colonizado (4,6,13).…”

“…Currently these fungi belong to the family Arthrodermataceae, which includes 9 well defined phylogenetically and morphologically genera (5), within which Microsporum and Trichophyton are responsible for most of the infections described in pets and exotic animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and hedgehogs (1)(2)(3)(4)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Those that live in a close relationship with human beings have a negative impact on their health, due to the risk of transmitting these fungi from an infected or colonized animal (4,6,13).…”

Zoonotic Potential of Dermatophytosis in Small Mammals

“…This skin condition is referred to as dermatophytosis or dermatomycosis, a common disease in household pets, especially small mammals living in close proximity to humans. 2,3,4,5 Historically, dermatophytes were occasionally transmitted to owners from their pet. Recent studies indicate that zoophilic dermatophytes are increasingly being diagnosed.…”