Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Dermatophytosis

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Feline Dermatology

Abstract

Feline dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal skin disease of cats. The primary mode of transmission is via direct contact or traumatic fomite inoculation. Microsporum canis is the primary pathogen of cats although outdoor cats may contract Trichophyton spp. infections. Diagnosis is based upon use of complementary diagnostic tests. Evidence-based studies have concluded there is no one “gold standard diagnostic test.” Contrary to popular belief, evidence-based studies found that Wood’s lamp examinations are positive in >91% of untreated cats, making it a highly useful point-of-care diagnostic test when combined with direct examination of hair and scales. PCR analysis of infective material is also diagnostic. Fungal culture is needed for species identification. Topical antifungal therapy is necessary to disinfect hairs, minimize disease transmission, and prevent environmental contamination. Systemic antifungal therapy eradicates the disease within the hair follicle. Evidence-based studies have shown that environmental disinfection is easily done via continued removal of cat hair and debris. Spores do not multiply in the environment or invade homes; spores are easily removed from soft and hard surfaces via washing with a detergent. Over-the-counter home disinfectants (i.e., bathroom cleaners) labelled as efficacious against Trichophyton spp. are recommended over household bleach which can be a human and animal health hazard. This is a low-level zoonotic skin disease that may cause superficial skin lesions that are treatable and curable in people.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 99.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Weitzman I, Summerbell RC. The dermatophytes. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1995;8:240–59.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Moriello KA, Coyner K, Paterson S, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.: Clinical Consensus Guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Vet Dermatol. 2017;28:266–e68.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Graser Y, Kuijpers AF, El Fari M, et al. Molecular and conventional taxonomy of the Microsporum canis complex. Med Mycol. 2000;38:143–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Hawksworth DL, Crous PW, Redhead SA, et al. The Amsterdam declaration on fungal nomenclature. IMA Fungus. 2011;2:105–12.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Moriello KA, DeBoer DJ. Fungal flora of the coat of pet cats. Am J Vet Res. 1991;52:602–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Moriello KA, Deboer DJ. Fungal flora of the haircoat of cats with and without dermatophytosis. J Med Vet Mycol. 1991;29:285–92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Meason-Smith C, Diesel A, Patterson AP, et al. Characterization of the cutaneous mycobiota in healthy and allergic cats using next generation sequencing. Vet Dermatol. 2017;28:71–e17.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Scott DW, Miller WH, Erb HN. Feline dermatology at Cornell University: 1407 cases (1988–2003). J Feline Med Surg. 2013;15:307–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Scott DW, Paradis M. A survey of canine and feline skin disorders seen in a university practice: Small Animal Clinic, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec (1987–1988). Can Vet J. 1990;31:830.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Hill P, Lo A, Can Eden S, et al. Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animal general practice. Vet Rec. 2006;158:533–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. O’Neill D, Church D, McGreevy P, et al. Prevalence of disorders recorded in cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Vet J. 2014;202:286–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Hobi S, Linek M, Marignac G, et al. Clinical characteristics and causes of pruritus in cats: a multicentre study on feline hypersensitivity-associated dermatoses. Vet Dermatol. 2011;22:406–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Moriello K. Feline dermatophytosis: aspects pertinent to disease management in single and multiple cat situations. J Feline Med Surg. 2014;16:419–31.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Lewis DT, Foil CS, Hosgood G. Epidemiology and clinical features of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats at Louisiana State University: 1981–1990. Vet Dermatol. 1991;2:53–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Cafarchia C, Romito D, Sasanelli M, et al. The epidemiology of canine and feline dermatophytoses in southern Italy. Mycoses. 2004;47:508–13.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Mancianti F, Nardoni S, Cecchi S, et al. Dermatophytes isolated from symptomatic dogs and cats in Tuscany, Italy during a 15-year-period. Mycopathologia. 2002;156:13–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Debnath C, Mitra T, Kumar A, et al. Detection of dermatophytes in healthy companion dogs and cats in eastern India. Iran J Vet Res. 2016;17:20.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Seker E, Dogan N. Isolation of dermatophytes from dogs and cats with suspected dermatophytosis in Western Turkey. Prev Vet Med. 2011;98:46–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Newbury S, Moriello K, Coyner K, et al. Management of endemic Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in an open admission shelter: a field study. J Feline Med Surg. 2015;17:342–7.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Polak K, Levy J, Crawford P, et al. Infectious diseases in large-scale cat hoarding investigations. Vet J. 2014;201:189–95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Moriello KA, Kunkle G, DeBoer DJ. Isolation of dermatophytes from the haircoats of stray cats from selected animal shelters in two different geographic regions in the United States. Vet Dermatol. 1994;5:57–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Sierra P, Guillot J, Jacob H, et al. Fungal flora on cutaneous and mucosal surfaces of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus or feline leukemia virus. Am J Vet Res. 2000;61:158–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Irwin KE, Beale KM, Fadok VA. Use of modified ciclosporin in the management of feline pemphigus foliaceus: a retrospective analysis. Vet Dermatol. 2012;23:403–e76.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Preziosi DE, Goldschmidt MH, Greek JS, et al. Feline pemphigus foliaceus: a retrospective analysis of 57 cases. Vet Dermatol. 2003;14:313–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Olivry T, Power H, Woo J, et al. Anti-isthmus autoimmunity in a novel feline acquired alopecia resembling pseudopelade of humans. Vet Dermatol. 2000;11:261–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Zurita J, Hay RJ. Adherence of dermatophyte microconidia and arthroconidia to human keratinocytes in vitro. J Invest Dermatol. 1987;89:529–34.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Vermout S, Tabart J, Baldo A, et al. Pathogenesis of dermatophytosis. Mycopathologia. 2008;166:267–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Baldo A, Monod M, Mathy A, et al. Mechanisms of skin adherence and invasion by dermatophytes. Mycoses. 2012;55:218–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. DeBoer DJ, Moriello KA. Development of an experimental model of Microsporum canis infection in cats. Vet Microbiol. 1994;42:289–95.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. DeBoer D, Moriello K. Inability of two topical treatments to influence the course of experimentally induced dermatophytosis in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995;207:52–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Moriello KA, DeBoer DJ. Efficacy of griseofulvin and itraconazole in the treatment of experimentally induced dermatophytosis in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1995;207:439–44.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Moriello KA, Deboer DJ, Schenker R, et al. Efficacy of pre-treatment with lufenuron for the prevention of Microsporum canis infection in a feline direct topical challenge model. Vet Dermatol. 2004;15:357–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. DeBoer DJ, Moriello KA, Blum JL, et al. Effects of lufenuron treatment in cats on the establishment and course of Microsporum canis infection following exposure to infected cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2003;222:1216–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. DeBoer DJ, Moriello KA. Investigations of a killed dermatophyte cell-wall vaccine against infection with Microsporum canis in cats. Res Vet Sci. 1995;59:110–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Sparkes AH, Gruffydd-Jones TJ, Stokes CR. Acquired immunity in experimental feline Microsporum canis infection. Res Vet Sci. 1996;61:165–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. DeBoer DJ, Moriello KA. Humoral and cellular immune responses to Microsporum canis in naturally occurring feline dermatophytosis. J Med Vet Mycol. 1993;31:121–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Moriello KA, DeBoer DJ, Greek J, et al. The prevalence of immediate and delayed type hypersensitivity reactions to Microsporum canis antigens in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2003;5:161–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Pennisi MG, et al. Dermatophytosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg. 2013;15:598–604.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Scarampella F, Zanna G, Peano A, et al. Dermoscopic features in 12 cats with dermatophytosis and in 12 cats with self-induced alopecia due to other causes: an observational descriptive study. Vet Dermatol. 2015;26:282–e63.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Dong C, Angus J, Scarampella F, et al. Evaluation of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of naturally occurring dermatophytosis in cats. Vet Dermatol. 2016;27:275–e65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Asawanonda P, Taylor CR. Wood’s light in dermatology. Int J Dermatol. 1999;38:801–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Wolf FT. Chemical nature of the fluorescent pigment produced in Microsporum-infected hair. Nature. 1957;180:860–1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Wolf FT, Jones EA, Nathan HA. Fluorescent pigment of Microsporum. Nature. 1958;182:475–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Foresman A, Blank F. The location of the fluorescent matter in microsporon infected hair. Mycopathol Mycol Appl. 1967;31:314–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Sparkes A, Gruffydd-Jones T, Shaw S, et al. Epidemiological and diagnostic features of canine and feline dermatophytosis in the United Kingdom from 1956 to 1991. Vet Rec. 1993;133:57–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Wright A. Ringworm in dogs and cats. J Small Anim Pract. 1989;30:242–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Kaplan W, Georg LK, Ajello L. Recent developments in animal ringworm and their public health implications. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1958;70:636–49.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Newbury S, Moriello K, Coyner K, et al. Management of endemic Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in an open admission shelter: a field study. J Feline Med Surg. 2015;17:342–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Colombo S, Cornegliani L, Beccati M, et al. Comparison of two sampling methods for microscopic examination of hair shafts in feline and canine dermatophytosis. Vet (Cremona). 2010;24:27–33.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Kaufmann R, Blum SE, Elad D, et al. Comparison between point-of-care dermatophyte test medium and mycology laboratory culture for diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats. Vet Dermatol. 2016;27:284–e68.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Moriello KA, Verbrugge MJ, Kesting RA. Effects of temperature variations and light exposure on the time to growth of dermatophytes using six different fungal culture media inoculated with laboratory strains and samples obtained from infected cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2010;12:988–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Rezusta A, Gilaberte Y, Vidal-García M, et al. Evaluation of incubation time for dermatophytes cultures. Mycoses. 2016;59:416–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Stuntebeck R, Moriello KA, Verbrugge M. Evaluation of incubation time for Microsporum canis dermatophyte cultures. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20:997–1000.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Bernhardt A, von Bomhard W, Antweiler E, et al. Molecular identification of fungal pathogens in nodular skin lesions of cats. Med Mycol. 2015;53:132–44.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Nardoni S, Franceschi A, Mancianti F. Identification of Microsporum canis from dermatophytic pseudomycetoma in paraffin-embedded veterinary specimens using a common PCR protocol. Mycoses. 2007;50:215–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Jacobson LS, McIntyre L, Mykusz J. Comparison of real-time PCR with fungal culture for the diagnosis of Microsporum canis dermatophytosis in shelter cats: a field study. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20:103–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Moriello KA, Leutenegger CM. Use of a commercial qPCR assay in 52 high risk shelter cats for disease identification of dermatophytosis and mycological cure. Vet Dermatol. 2018;29:66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Reimer SB, Séguin B, DeCock HE, et al. Evaluation of the effect of routine histologic processing on the size of skin samples obtained from dogs. Am J Vet Res. 2005;66:500–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Nardoni S, Giovanelli S, Pistelli L, et al. In vitro activity of twenty commercially available, plant-derived essential oils against selected dermatophyte species. Nat Prod Commun. 2015;10:1473–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Paterson S. Miconazole/chlorhexidine shampoo as an adjunct to systemic therapy in controlling dermatophytosis in cats. J Small Anim Pract. 1999;40:163–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Moriello K, Coyner K, Trimmer A, et al. Treatment of shelter cats with oral terbinafine and concurrent lime sulphur rinses. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24:618–e150.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Newbury S, Moriello K, Verbrugge M, et al. Use of lime sulphur and itraconazole to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis in an annex facility: an open field trial. Vet Dermatol. 2007;18:324–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Carlotti DN, Guinot P, Meissonnier E, et al. Eradication of feline dermatophytosis in a shelter: a field study. Vet Dermatol. 2010;21:259–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Jaham CD, Page N, Lambert A, et al. Enilconazole emulsion in the treatment of dermatophytosis in Persian cats: tolerance and suitability. In: Kwochka KW, Willemse T, Von Tscharner C, editors. Advances in Veterinary Dermatology. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann; 1998. p. 299–307.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Hnilica KA, Medleau L. Evaluation of topically applied enilconazole for the treatment of dermatophytosis in a Persian cattery. Vet Dermatol. 2002;13:23–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Guillot J, Malandain E, Jankowski F, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of oral lufenuron combined with topical enilconazole for the management of dermatophytosis in catteries. Vet Rec. 2002;150:714–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Moriello KA. In vitro efficacy of shampoos containing miconazole, ketoconazole, climbazole or accelerated hydrogen peroxide against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton species. J Feline Med Surg. 2017;19:370–4.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Mugnaini L, Nardoni S, Pinto L, et al. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of some essential oils against feline isolates of Microsporum canis. J Mycol Med. 2012;22:179–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Nardoni S, Costanzo AG, Mugnaini L, et al. Open-field study comparing an essential oil-based shampoo with miconazole/chlorhexidine for haircoat disinfection in cats with spontaneous microsporiasis. J Feline Med Surg. 2017;19:697–701.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Gyanfosu L, Koffuor GA, Kyei S, et al. Efficacy and safety of extemporaneously prepared miconazole eye drops in Candida albicans-induced keratomycosis. Int Ophthalmol. 2018;38:2089–210.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Puls C, Johnson A, Young K, et al. Efficacy of itraconazole oral solution using an alternating-week pulse therapy regimen for treatment of cats with experimental Microsporum canis infection. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20:869–74.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Vlaminck K, Engelen M. An overview of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in the development of itraconazole for feline Microsporum canis dermatophytosis. Adv Vet Dermatol. 2005;5:130–6.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Elanco US I. Itrafungol itraconazole oral solution in cats. Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141–474, November 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Mawby DI, Whittemore JC, Fowler LE, et al. Comparison of absorption characteristics of oral reference and compounded itraconazole formulations in healthy cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2018;252:195–200.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Foust AL, Marsella R, Akucewich LH, et al. Evaluation of persistence of terbinafine in the hair of normal cats after 14 days of daily therapy. Vet Dermatol. 2007;18:246–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. DeBoer D, Moriello K, Volk L, et al. Lufenuron does not augment effectiveness of terbinafine for treatment of Microsporum canis infections in a feline model. Adv Vet Dermatol. 2005;5:123–9.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Sparkes AH, Werrett G, Stokes CR, et al. Microsporum canis: Inapparent carriage by cats and the viability of arthrospores. J Small Anim Pract. 1994;35:397–401.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Keep JM. The viability of Microsporum canis on isolated cat hair. Aust Vet J. 1960;36:277–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Moriello KA, Kunder D, Hondzo H. Efficacy of eight commercial disinfectants against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton spp. infective spores on an experimentally contaminated textile surface. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24:621–e152.

    Google Scholar 

  80. Moriello KA. Decontamination of 70 foster family homes exposed to Microsporum canis infected cats: a retrospective study. Vet Dermatol. 2019;30:178–e55. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12722.

  81. Kaplan W, Ajello L. Oral treatment of spontaneous ringworm in cats with griseofulvin. J Amer Vet Med Assoc. 1959;135:253–61.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Stuntebeck RL, Moriello KA. One vs two negative fungal cultures to confirm mycological cure in shelter cats treated for Microsporum canis dermatophytosis: a retrospective study. J Feline Med Surg. 2019.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19858791.

  83. Newbury S, Moriello KA, Kwochka KW, et al. Use of itraconazole and either lime sulphur or Malaseb Concentrate Rinse (R) to treat shelter cats naturally infected with Microsporum canis: an open field trial. Vet Dermatol. 2011; 22: 75–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Jacobson LS, McIntyre L, Mykusz J. Assessment of real-time PCR cycle threshold values in Microsporum canis culture-positive and culture-negative cats in an animal shelter: a field study. J Feline Med Surg. 2018;20:108–13.

    Google Scholar 

  85. Rouzaud C, Hay R, Chosidow O, et al. Severe dermatophytosis and acquired or innate immunodeficiency: a review. J Fungi. 2015;2:4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Elad D. Immunocompromised patients and their pets: still best friends? Vet J. 2013;197:662–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA

    Karen A. Moriello

Authors
  1. Karen A. Moriello
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karen A. Moriello .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, Peveragno, Italy

    Chiara Noli

  2. Servizi Dermatologici Veterinari, Legnano, Italy

    Silvia Colombo

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Moriello, K.A. (2020). Dermatophytosis. In: Noli, C., Colombo, S. (eds) Feline Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29836-4_13

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation