Real-Time PCR as an Alternative Technique for Detection of Dermatophytes in Cattle Herds

Abstract

Dermatophytes are filamentous fungi with the ability to digest and grow on keratinized substrates. The ongoing improvements in fungal detection techniques give new scope for clinical implementations in laboratories and veterinary clinics, including the monitoring of the disease and carrier status. The technologically advanced methods for dermatophyte detection include molecular methods based on PCR. In this context, the aim of this study was to carry out tests on the occurrence of dermatophytes in cattle herds using qPCR methods and a comparative analysis with conventional methods. Each sample collected from ringworm cases and from asymptomatic cattle was divided into three parts and subjected to the real-time PCR technique, direct light microscopy analysis, and culture-based methods. The use of the real-time PCR technique with pan-dermatophyte primers detected the presence of dermatophytes in the sample with a 10.84% (45% vs. 34.17%) higher efficiency than direct analysis with light microscopy. Moreover, a dermatophyte culture was obtained from all samples with a positive qPCR result. In conclusion, it seems that this method can be used with success to detect dermatophytes and monitor cowsheds in ringworm cases and carriers in cattle.

Airborne dermatophyte propagules concentration in cowsheds as an underestimated reservoir of potential zoonoses

“…In turn, the aerosol flow in the cowsheds is high in spring and summer when the animals are grazed outdoors. Traditional outdoor breeding methods with freely wandering and gathering animals, which are still predominant in Europe, could explain the acquisition of dermatophytes in the microclimate (Courtellemont et al, 2017; Gnat et al, 2018; Łagowski et al, 2021). Tseng et al (Tseng et al, 2021) revealed that high fungal concentrations in indoor air may resulted from an exogenous source of contamination.…”

Concurrent Chorioptic Mange and Dermatophytosis in Dairy Goats: A Case Report

“…Though not yet primarily employed in routine practice, these methods have also been proven valid for diagnosing animal infections, including cattle ringworm due to T. verrucosum [40].…”