Dermatophytes Isolated From Dogs and Cats Suspected Dermatophytoses in Istanbul, Turkey Within A 15-Year-Period: An Updated Report

The present research was aimed to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes isolated from symptomatic dogs and cats, within a 15-year-period, in the city of Istanbul, Turkey. Dermatological specimens were collected from 1504 dogs and 846 cats, which were presented clinical signs of ringworm. Direct microscopy and mycological cultures were performed. The fungal growth rate was detected at 8.2% and 22.8% from dogs and cats, respectively. Microsporum canis was the most frequently isolated species followed by Trichophyton spp., M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytes, M. nanum, other Microsporum spp. moreover T. tonsurans. The cats less than two-year age and more than ten-year age showed a statistically significant higher isolation rate of infection (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the age of the dogs and the dermatophyte isolation rate and between the gender of the dogs and cats and the dermatophyte isolation rate. As a conclusion, the data suggest an updated report on local epidemiology and define potential etiologic agents