Microsporum canis: Inapparent carriage by cats and the viability of arthrospores

A total of 181 dermatologically healthy pet cats from 177 different households, attending a veterinary clinic, were sampled for the presence of dermatophytes by a modified MacKenzie hair brush technique. Microsporum canis was the only dermatophyte recovered and was isolated from four cats (2.2 per cent) from four different households. In addition to clinical details, owners were questioned about the environment and management of all the cats sampled. The data regarding the cats from which M canis was recovered showed little variation from that of the culture-negative cats except that all four cats were from multi-cat (more than two cats) households, whereas only 35 per cent of the culture-negative cats were from a similar environment. The viability of M canis in infected feline hairs stored at room temperature was maintained for between 13 and 18 months.     

The isolation of Pasteurella-like organisms from the tonsillar region of dogs and cats

Pasteurella sp. were isolated from tonsillar swabs obtained from 100 dogs and 100 cats; isolation rates were 92 per cent and 99 per cent respectively. Isolates were identified according to recent taxonomic data. P. multocida subsp. multocida and subsp. septica were common in cats but not in dogs. P. canis was common in both dogs and cats. Compared with strains from dogs, those from cats were more pathogenic for mice. Many of the species isolated are considered potential human pathogens.     

Prevalence of Brucella abortus and Brucella canis antibodies in dogs in Nigeria

Serum samples collected from dogs brought for routine physical examination, vaccination and other complaints at the Small Animal Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria were tested for Brucella abortus and Brucella canis antibodies. Ninety-five (38-2 per cent) of 249 dogs studied were positive for B. abortus agglutinins by the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) but none was sero-positive by the standard agglutination test (SAT). The antibody prevalence for B. canis by the SAT was 28-6 per cent for 224 dogs tested. Exotic breeds of dogs had a prevalence of 34-9 per cent for B. canis agglutinins while 28-1 per cent of local dogs were sero-positive. Twenty-two per cent of dogs older than 2 years were sero-positive compared to a prevalence of 33-3 per cent found amongst dogs younger than 1 year. A similar B. canis infection rate was observed amongst male (29-6 per cent) and female (26-7 per cent) dogs.     

Clinical and epidemiological studies on canine hepatozoonosis in Zaria, Nigeria

A clinical and epidemiologic picture of canine hepatozoonosis is presented. Clinically the disease is characterized by a chronic debilitating course, persistent or recurrent fever unresponsive to antibiotics and the common babesiocidal agents, progressive anaemia, eosinophilia and polychromasia, and H. canis parasitaemia. H. canis was the most prevalent haematozoan parasite, affecting 22 per cent of the dogs examined; B. canis affected 11 per cent, and E. canis 5 per cent. H. canis affected all ages of dogs while B. canis and E. canis affected predominantly young dogs.     

Osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in clinically normal dogs and dogs infected with parasites

The osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes was measured in blood samples collected from randomly selected healthy and infected dogs at a dogs' rescue shelter. The dogs were classified into six groups on the basis of the final diagnoses from clinical, post mortem and laboratory findings. The minimum (less than 5 per cent) and maximum (more than 90 per cent) haemolysis of the erythrocytes of the clinically normal dogs (group 1), occurred in 0·60 per cent and 0·30 per cent solutions of sodium chloride (NaCI). For the non-anaemic hookworm-infected dogs (group 2a) the respective values were 0·8 per cent and 0·4 per cent NaCl, and for the anaemic hookworm-infected dogs (group 2b) they were 0·85 per cent and 0·5 per cent NaCl, respectively. The erythrocytes from dogs with Babesia canis (group 3), concurrent hookworm and B canis (group 4) and Ehrlichia canis infections (group 5) had minimum haemolysis in 0·75 per cent NaCl and maximum haemolysis at between 0·20 per cent and 0·35 per cent NaCI solutions. The derivative fragiligrams for groups 2a, 2b, 3 and 4 were shifted to the left, whereas the fragiligram for group 5 was similar to that for the clinically normal dogs (group 1). The left shift for the hookworm-infected dogs was due to the increased osmotic fragility of a minor sub-population of the erythrocytes, but for the dogs, infected with B canis major sub-populations of the erythrocytes had an increased osmotic fragility.     

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats at Louisiana State University: 1981–1990

Abstract— Dermatophytes were cultured from seventy of 1824 (3.8 per cent) canine samples and 61 of 408 (14.9 per cent) feline samples submitted over ten years. Microsporum canis was the most common species isolated (86/131). M. gypseum (31/70) and M. canis (30/70) were isolated most frequently from dogs whereas M. canis was isolated most frequently from cats (56/61). Both male and female dogs and cats were equally affected by dermatophytosis. There was a higher incidence in both dogs and cats less than one year of age. Mixed breed dogs (19/70), domestic shorthaired cats (39/61) and Persian cats (15/61) were most often affected. M. gypseum had a greater incidence of infection in summer and most often caused localized disease in dogs. In dogs, localized dermatophytosis was more common. Localized infections were most often caused by M. canis in all animals, with the head (23/75), feet (10/75) and tail (7/75) affected most frequently. Résumé— Dos dermatophytes ont été isolés à partir de 70/1824 (3,8 pourcent) prélèvements canins et 61/408 (14,9 pourcent) prélèvements félins collectés sur une période de dix ans. L'espèce la plus souvent isolée était Microsporum canis (86/131). Microspomm gypseum (31/70) et M. canis (30/70) étainet les plus fréquemment isolés chez les chiens, alors qu'il s'agissait de M. canis (56/61) chez les chats. Les mâles et les femelles, chiens ou chats, étaient également représentés. Il y avait une nette incidence des animaux de moins d'un an, tant chez les chiens que chez les chats. Les chiens croisés (19/70), les chats européens (39/61) et les chats Persans (15/61) étaient les plus souvent atteints. L'incidence de M. gypseumétait plus importante l'été et provoquait les plus souvent des lésions localisées les chiens. Les formes localisées étaient plus fréquentes chez les chiens et le plus souvent dues àM. canis dans les deux espèces, avec une atteinte préférentielle de la tête (23/75), des membres (10/75) et de la queue (7/75). Zausammenfassung— Aus siebzig von 1824 Proben von Hunden (3,8 Prozent) und 61 von 408 Proben von Katzen (14,9 Prozent) von einem Zeitraum über zehn Jahre wurden Dermatophyten angezüchtet. Microsporum canis war die am häufigsten isolierte Spezies (86/131). Microsporum gypseum (31/70) und M. canis (30/70) wurden am häufigsten bei Hunden isoliert, M. canis dagegen wurde am häufigsten bei Katzen isoliert (56/61). Männliche wie weibliche Hunde und Katzen waren gleichermaßen von Dermatomykosen betroffen. Sowohl bei Hunden also auch bei Katzen war die Inzidenz bei Tieren unter einem Jahr höher. Am häufigsten erkrankten Mischlingshunde (19/70), Kurzhaarhauskatzen (39/61) und Perserkatzen (15/61). Die Inzidenz der Infektion mit M. gypseum war im Sommer größer, bei Hunden verursachte es mehr lokalisierte Erkrankungen. Bei Hunden überhaupt waren lokalisierte Dermatomykosen häufiger anzutreffen. Lokalisierte Infektionen wurden bei alien Tieren am häufigsten durch M. canis verursacht, am meisten betroffen waren Kopf (23/75), Pfoten (10/75) und Schwanz (7/75). Resumen Se cultivaron dermatofitos de setenta de 1824 (3,8 por ciento) muestras caninas y 61 de 408 (14,9 cor ciento) muestras felinas, sometidas durante diez anos. Microsporum canis fue la mas común de las especies aisladas (86/131). Microsporum gypseum (31/70) y M. canis (30/70) se aislaron mas frecuentemente de perros, mientras que M. canis fue aislado con más frecuencia de gatos (56/61). Ambos, macho y hembra, perros y gatos fueron igualmente afectados por la dermatofítosis. Había una mayor incidencia en perros y gatos menores de un año de edad. Perros de cruce de razas (19/70), gatos domésticados de pelo corto (39/61) y gatos persas (15/61) fueron afectados con más frecuencia. M. gypseum tenía una mayor incidencia de infección en verano, y muy frecuentemente causaba enfermedades localizados en perros. En perros, fue más commún la dermatofitosis localizada. Infecciones localizadas eran más frecuentemente causadas por M. canis en todos los animates, con la cabeza (23/75), pies (10/75) y rabo (7/75) afectados con más frecuencia.     

Prenatal and transmammary infections of Toxocara canis in dogs: effect of benzimidazole-carbamate anthelmintics on various developmental stages of the parasite

Fenbendazole and albendazole, given at a dose rate of 150 mg/kg for 3 days, produced a 90 per cent reduction in the numbers of second stage larvae of Toxocara canis present in the tissues of dogs although no reduction in the number of larvae found in the brains of infected dogs occurred with this treatment. The results suggest that a course of 3 day therapy with these anthelmintics should prevent prenatal infections in puppies. However, if infection is acquired by bitches during late pregnancy or early lactation, the transmammary route of infection becomes important. Therefore, anthelmintic treatment of the bitch prior to pregnancy will not prevent transmission of infection to her puppies should the bitch acquire a new infection of T. canis during pregnancy or early lactation. Alternatively, infection with T. canis can be controlled through the treatment of neonatal puppies for migrating larvae of T. canis. Treatment of newborn puppies with fenbendazole, albendazole or oxfendazole at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 2–3 days produced a 91–99 per cent reduction in the number of adult parasites found. In addition, a single dose of fenbendazole, given at a dose rate of 40 mg/kg, eliminated 93–96 per cent of adult T. canis from the intestines of 4–5-week-old puppies. These latter treatments would need to be repeated to eliminate completely the infection from puppies.     

Treatment of Microsporum canis ringworm in a cat colony

Abstract— The treatment and control measures used during an outbreak of feline ringworm caused by Microsporum canis are described. During the outbreak the presence of the dermatophyte on the coats of clinically normal cats was demonstrated by the use of Mackenzie's brush technique. This method of examination is suggested as being the most effective and rapid means of ensuring that dermatophyte infection is not introduced into a colony by new cats. Résumé— L'auteur décrit le traitement et les mesures antiparasitaires appliqués à l'occasion d'une épizootie de teigne féline, provoquée par Microsporum canis. La préence du dermatophyte sur le poil de chats cliniquement normaux a été décelée par la technique de la brosse Mackenzie, méthode particulièrement rapide et efficace, propre à éviter la contamination d'une colonie de chats par des dermatophytes importés de l'extérieur. Zusammenfassung— Die Behandlung und die Kontrollmassnahmen während eines Ausbruchs von durch Microsporum caniJ verursachter Katzenringwurmkrankheit werden beschrieben. Wahrend der Krankheit wde das Vorhandensein der Dermatophyten in den Pelzen klinisch normaler Katzen durch Anwendung der Mackenzieschen Pinselmethode demonstriert. Diese Untersuchungs methode wird ah wirksamste und schnellste vorgeschlagen, die gewährleistet, dass die Dermatophyten nicht durch neue Katzen in eine Kolonie eingeschleppt werden.     

The Immune Response to Microsporum canis Induced by a Fungal Cell Wall Vaccine*

Abstract— An experimental infection model was used to assess induction of specific immunity against Microsporum canis in cats with an M. canis cell wall vaccine preparation. Kittens 8–9 weeks old (n= 12) received five doses of either vaccine or placebo at biweekly intervals. Specific immunity was monitored via plasma anti-dermatophyte antibody titers and lymphocyte blastogenesis (LB) to dermatophyte antigens. After vaccination, cats were challenged with viable M. canis spores, and lesion development was monitored. Vaccinated cats developed higher anti-dermatophyte IgG, but not IgM, titers than controls, beginning after the second dose of vaccine (P < 0.001). During the vaccination period, specific cellular immunity as measured by LB was absent in control cats, but developed to a limited degree in vaccinated cats (P < 0.05). After challenge with 10⁵ fungal spores per cat, both control and vaccinated cats developed active infections. The vaccine appeared to induce an antibody titer quantitatively similar to that produced by infection, but less measured cellular immunity than was seen with infection and recovery. These results suggest that induction of high titers of serum IgG or IgM antibody against Microsporum canis is not protective against challenge exposure.     

Hepatozoon canis: The prevalence of antibodies and gametocytes in dogs in Israel

A survey for the prevalence of antibodies to Hepatozoon canis and for intraneutrophilic H. canis gametocytes in the peripheral blood neutrophils of dogs in Israel showed that 33.1% were seropositive, while only 1% of the dogs sampled had detectable parasites in their blood smears. Exposure to H. canis is widespread but it appears that most infected dogs undergo a subclinical infection and only a small proportion develop clinical disease.Abbreviations IFAT indirect fluorescent antibody test     

Isolation of Dermatophytes from the Haircoats of Stray Cats from Selected Animal Shelters in two Different Geographic Regions in the United States

Résumé— Le but de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence des isolements de Microsporum canisà partir de chats apparemment sains dans des refuges de deux régions de climats différents aux Etats-Unis. Deux cents chats (chats sans signes apparent de maladie) provenant d'une région froide et séche et d'une région chaude et humide ont étéétudiés et la technique de la brosse à dents utilisée pour la mise en culture et la rechehe de Dermatophytes. Cinq espèces de Dermatophytes communément associées aux dermatophyties humaines et animales ont été isolées: M. canis (n= 8), Trichophyton verrucosum (n= 5), T. mentagrophytes (n - 1), T. rubrum (n= 16), et Epidermophyton spp. (n= 5). Microsporum canis n'a été isolé que chez les chats vivant dans le Sud et principalement sur des chatons. Trichophyton rubrum a surtout été isolé chez les chats du nord. La prévalence de M. canis chez les chats sains était dans cet étude de 4 pourcent et la prévalence totale de tous les pathogénes de 17,5 pour cent. [Isolation of dermatophytes from the haircoats of stray cats from selected animal shelters in two different geographic regions of the United States. (Isolement de dermatophytes du pelage de chats errants pris dans des refuges de deux regions différentes des Etats-Unis.) Zusammenfassung— Ziel der Studie war, die Prävalenz von Microsporum canis-Isolaten von scheinbar gesunden Katzen in Tierheimen in zwei klimatisch unterschiedlichen Regionen der Vereinigten Staaten festzustellen. Zwei hundert Katzen (Katzen ohne makroskopische oder offenscichtliche physische Anzeichen von Krankheit) aus Tierheimen in einer relativ kalt-trockenen geographischen Region und einer feucht-war-men Region der Vereinigten Staaten wurden untersucht und aus dem Haarkleid mittels Zahnbürstentechnik Pilzkulturen angelegt. Es wurden fünf Arten von Dermatophyten identifiziert, die häufig mit menschlichen oder tierischen Hautpilzerkrankungen verbunden sind: M. cams (n= 8), Trichophyton verruscosum (n= 5), T. mentagrophytes (n= 1), T. rubrum (n= 16) und Epidermophyton spp. (n= 5). Microsporum canis wurde nur von Katzen aus dem Süden isoliert, vorwiegend von Katzenwelpen. Trichophyton rubrum wurde häufiger von Katzen aus dem Norden isoliert. Die Prävalenz von M. canis bei scheinbar gesunden Katzen in dieser Studie betrug 4 Prozent, die Gesamtprävalenz aller pathogenen Keime betrug 17,5 Prozent. [Isolation of dermatophytes from the haircoats of stray cats from selected animals shelters in two different geographic regions in the United States (Isolierung von Dermatophyten aus dem Fell von streunenden Katzen aus ausgewahlten Tierheimen in awei verschiedenen geographischen Regionen der Vereinigten Staaten.) Abstract— The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Microsporum canis isolation from apparently healthy cats in shelters in two different climatic regions of the United States. Two hundred cats (cats without gross or obvious physical illness) from animal shelters in a relatively cold dry geographic region and a warm humid region of the United States were examined and their haircoat cultured for fungi using the toothbrush technique. Five species of dermatophytes commonly associated with either animal or human dermatophytosis were identified: M. canis (n= 8), Trichophyton verruscosum (n= 5), T. mentagrophytes (n= 1), T. rubrum (n= 16), and Epidermophyton spp. (n = 5). M. canis was isolated only from cats in the south, predominantly from kittens. T. rubrum was isolated more commonly from cats from the north. The prevalence of M. canis in apparently healthy cats in this study was 4 per cent and the overall prevalence of all pathogens was 17.5 per cent.     

Babesiosis in dogs and cats--expanding parasitological and clinical spectra

Canine babesiosis caused by different Babesia species is a protozoal tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution and global significance. Historically, Babesia infection in dogs was identified based on the morphologic appearance of the parasite in the erythrocyte. All large forms of Babesia were designated Babesia canis, whereas all small forms of Babesia were considered to be Babesia gibsoni. However, the development of molecular methods has demonstrated that other Babesia species such as Babesia conradae, Babesia microti like piroplasm, Theileria spp. and a yet unnamed large form Babesia spp. infect dogs and cause distinct diseases. Babesia rossi, B. canis and Babesia vogeli previously considered as subspecies are identical morphologically but differ in the severity of clinical manifestations which they induce, their tick vectors, genetic characteristics, and geographic distributions, and are therefore currently considered separate species. The geographic distribution of the causative agent and thus the occurrence of babesiosis are largely dependent on the habitat of relevant tick vector species, with the exception of B. gibsoni where evidence for dog to dog transmission indicates that infection can be transmitted among fighting dog breeds independently of the limitations of vector tick infestation. Knowledge of the prevalence and clinicopathological aspects of Babesia species infecting dogs around the world is of epidemiologic and medical interest. Babesiosis in domestic cats is less common and has mostly been reported from South Africa where infection is mainly due to Babesia felis, a small Babesia that causes anemia and icterus. In addition, Babesia cati was reported from India and sporadic cases of B. canis infection in domestic cats have been reported in Europe, B. canis presentii in Israel and B. vogeli in Thailand. Babesiosis caused by large Babesia spp. is commonly treated with imidocarb dipropionate with good clinical response while small Babesia spp. are more resistant to anti-babesial therapy. Clinical and parasitological cure are often not achieved in the treatment of small Babesia species infections and clinical relapses are frequent. The spectrum of Babesia pathogens that infect dogs and cats is gradually being elucidated with the aid of molecular techniques and meticulous clinical investigation. Accurate detection and species recognition are important for the selection of the correct therapy and prediction of the course of disease.     

Clinical and haematological findings in 70 naturally occurring cases of canine babesiosis

Natural cases of Babesia canis infection in Nigerian dogs were encountered over a two-year period. Over 70 per cent of the dogs were less than or equal to one year of age. The hyperacute and acute forms of the disease were encountered in dogs as young as four weeks. The acute form of the disease was most common. Consistent clinical signs of the acute form included abnormal appetite, lethargy, fever, anaemia, generalised lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, emaciation and icterus. Anaemia was of the regenerative type in all cases while neutrophilic leucocytosis was mainly observed in hyperacute cases. Four dogs with hyperacute disease died despite treatment while all other dogs recovered following single dose (3–5 mg/kg) treatment with diminazene aceturate. The results of this study indicate that hyperacute babesiosis in dogs should be considered more frequently by veterinarians.     

In vitro and in vivo Effects of Lufenuron on Dermatophytes Isolated from Cases of Canine and Feline Dermatophytoses*

Lufenuron is a benzyl‐urea phenol compound that inhibits chitin synthesis and is used as an insecticide. Its efficacy in the therapy of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats was evaluated in several clinical studies, with contradictory results. We assessed the in vitro susceptibility of dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats to lufenuron, and the clinical response of skin lesions to the drug. Dermatophyte cultures isolated from clinical cases were exposed to lufenuron by three different methods: direct application and application of whole blood or subcutaneous tissue samples obtained from a lufenuron‐treated healthy dog. No inhibition of dermatophyte growth was observed in any of the samples after 1 week of incubation. Eight dogs and six cats with skin lesions were included in the in vivo survey. Results indicated that six of seven skin lesions that were diagnosed as being caused by dermatophytes did not respond to lufenuron whereas six of seven skin lesions that were not caused by dermatophytes improved. We concluded that lufenuron, in the way it was administered in this study, had no inhibitory activity on dermatophytes in vitro or in vivo and its clinical use as an anti‐fungal agent is questionable. An immunomodulatory effect of the drug is, however, possible.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of oxfendazole against larval and adult Toxascaris leonina in the dog

The efficacy of oxfendazole, given at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg for three consecutive days, against adult and larval Toxascaris leonina was determined in four litters of naturally infected adolescent greyhounds. When administered to five dogs 10 weeks after exposure to infectiori, oxfendazole gave an efficacy value of 100 per cent as determined by comparison of the numbers of adult worms expelled and the numbers remaining at subsequent post mortem examination. When medication was given only five weeks after exposure to infection, the number of immature T. leonina in 10 treated pups was found to be reduced by 92-1 per cent as compared with 10 matched, untreated controls. Incidental infections of Toxocara canis and Uncinaria stenocephala were adequately controlled but the treatment was less effective against Trichuris vulpis and Strongyloides species.     

Infection by Eucoleus aerophilus in dogs and cats: Is another extra-intestinal parasitic nematode of pets emerging in Italy?

The occurrence of the infection by the lungworm Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) in dogs and cats from Italy has been evaluated with conventional diagnostic procedures. Individual faecal samples from 569 dogs and 200 cats were undertaken to faecal flotation with sugar and zinc sulphate solution. Sixteen dogs (2.8%) and 11 cats (5.5%) scored positive for eggs of E. aerophilus when samples were processed with either of the two flotation solutions. Overall 14 of 16 dogs and eight of 11 cats infected by E. aerophilus showed respiratory symptoms and the most common were general respiratory distress, dry cough, wheezing and sneezing. These results indicate that E. aerophilus is not uncommon and that canine and feline capillariosis is of clinical importance. Given the impact that E. aerophilus infections may have upon animal health and its zoonotic potential, it is strongly advisable to routinely include this disease in the differential diagnosis of (cardio)-respiratory diseases of dogs and cats.     

Isolation of Microsporum canis from the hair coat of pet dogs and cats belonging to owners diagnosed with M. canis tinea corporis

Microsporum canis has been frequently isolated from human cases of tinea capitis and tinea corporis. The infection may be acquired from infected animals with cutaneous lesions but also from asymptomatic carriers or from the environment. As asymptomatic M. canis carriers are considered to be a critical factor in the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in humans, this study investigated the relationship between the presence of dermatophytes on the hair coats of dogs and cats without cutaneous lesions and the occurrence of the disease in their respective owners. A total of 136 dogs and 248 cats were sampled from January 1999 to January 2005. Seventy-eight animals (22 dogs and 56 cats) belonged to individuals affected by tinea corporis caused by M. canis and 306 (114 dogs and 192 cats) to individuals without dermatophytosis. Age, sex, breed, habitat and season were recorded for each animal and examined as potential risk factors. Dermatophytes were isolated from 20.5% of the dogs and 28.2% of the cats. Microsporum canis was isolated from 36.4% of dogs cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis but it was never isolated from dogs whose owners had no lesions. By contrast, M. canis was isolated from 53.6% of cats cohabiting with owners diagnosed with tinea corporis and from 14.6% of cats whose owners had no signs of the disease. These results clearly indicate that both cats and dogs should be considered as a major source of pathogenic dermatophytes for humans even when they do not present clinical signs of dermatophytosis.     

Serum acute phase proteins as clinical phase indicators and outcome predictors in naturally occurring canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

Background: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by Ehrlichia canis, is an important tick‐borne disease of global importance. Currently, limited information is available on the diagnostic and prognostic value of acute phase proteins (APPs) in dogs naturally infected with E. canis. Hypothesis: APPs may be useful indicators of the clinical phase of CME and predictive of the clinical outcome (death or survival). Animals: Fifty‐six dogs naturally infected with E. canis and 7 clinically healthy control dogs. Methods: C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), and albumin concentrations determined on admission were retrospectively compared among 27 dogs with nonmyelosuppressive CME, 29 dogs with myelosuppressive CME and 7 healthy dogs. Diagnosis of CME was based on clinical and clinicopathological findings, seropositivity to E. canis, polymerase chain reaction amplification of E. canis‐specific 16S rDNA, microscopic observation of Ehrlichia sp. morulae in blood monocytes or some combination of these. Results: Mean concentrations of CRP, SAA, and Hp were significantly higher in the myelosuppressed dogs compared with the other groups, but no significant differences were found in the concentration of albumin. Survival analysis of the affected animals indicated that APP concentrations were not associated with clinical outcome; the latter was strongly associated with pancytopenia (odds ratio for death 22.7) and neutropenia (odds ratio for death 7.7). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CRP, SAA, and Hp serum concentrations on admission are useful indicators of the clinical phase of CME, but are not useful predictors of clinical outcome.     

Dermatophytes isolated from domestic and feral animals

In work over a period of 8 years, dermatophytes were recovered from 12 animal species in the North Island of New Zealand. A total of 552 dermatophytes were isolated and belonged to the Microsporum (6 species) and Trichophyton (6 species) genera.

Some unusual isolations are reported: Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes were recovered from calves; Microsporum distortum from a dog, which was the first known isolation from an animal in the North Island; four horses, from the same stable, yielded Microsporum equinum which has not previously been recorded in this country; Trichophyton erinacei was recovered from lesions on a cat which is the first report of the dermatophyte from an animal other than the dog, hedgehog or man; Trichophyton equinum var. autotrophicum was a rare isolation from a dog.

Species affinity was demonstrated with the dermatophytes M. canis; M. nanum; M. equinum; T. equinum; and T. verrucosum. These zoophilic species appear to be passed between individuals of the same species, with occasional infection in man and other animal species. T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes had a wider distribution, being isolated from dogs, cats, guinea-pigs and rats. The infection in rats was subclinical.

The geophilic species M. cookei, T. ajelloiand and T. terrestre were recorded but not regarded as being pathogenic. M. gypseum was significant in cases involving dogs, horses and a cat, as arthrospores were seen invading the affected hairs.     

Immunological Reactivity to Intradermal Dermatophyte Antigens in Cats with Dermatophytosis

Abstract— To study the immune response of cats to dermatophyte infection, ten healthy cats and five cats previously infected with Microsporum canis were injected intradermally with dermatophyte glycoprotein extracts. Injection sites were observed for immediate and delayed reactions and biopsied at 24 and 48 hours after injection. All five previously-infected cats but only two of 10 control cats had immediate positive reactions to M. canis antigen. Four out of five previously-infected cats and one of 10 control cats also had reactions to Trichophyton rubrum antigen, suggesting antigenic crossreactivity between these fungal species. At 24 h after injection, four out of five previously-infected cats had delayed reactions to M. canis antigen at the injection sites; equivalent sites in all control animals were negative. The histological appearance of the delayed reactions was a superficial perivascular dermatitis, with lymphohistiocytic cells, eosinophils, mast cells, and neutrophils. This pattern is consistent with a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to fungal antigens. Special stains revealed no evidence of cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity in these reactions. Our data suggest that naturally-occurring feline dermatophytosis is accompanied by development of both humoral and cellular immune responses to the organism. Intradermal skin testing with dermatophyte antigens is a useful tool for investigating the immune response of cats to dermatophytosis. Résumé— Afin d'étudier la réponse immunitaire des chats à une infection par des dermatophytes, des intradermoréactions à l'aide d'extraits glycoprotéiques de dermatophytes ont été pratiquées sur 10 chats sains et 5 chats antérieurement infectés par Microsporum canis. Les sites d'injection ont cté observés pour lés réactions immédiates et retardées et biopsiés à 24 et 48 heures. Les 5 chats antéricurement infectés et seulement 2 des chtas témoins ont présenté des réactions immédiates à l'extrait antigénique de Microsporum canis, 4 des 5 chats antérieurement infectés et 1 des 10 chats témoins ont aussi présenté des réactions àTríchophyton rubrum, suggérant l'existence de réactions croisées entre ces deux espèces de dermatophytes. 24 heures après l'injection, 4 des 5 chats antérieurement infectés ont présenté des réactions retardées àMicrosporum canis au point d'injection. Ces mêmes tests étaient négatifs chez les animaux témoins. L'aspect histologique des réactions retardées etait celui d'une dermite périvasculaire superficielle à celles lymphohistiocylaires, éosinophiles, neutrophiles, et mastocytes. Cet aspect est compatibles avec une réaction d'hypersensibilité retardée aux antigènes fongiques. Des colorations spécifiques n'ont pas permis de mettre en évidence une hypersensibilité cutanée à basophiles dans ces réactions. Ces résultats suggèrent que l'infection naturelle par des dermatophytes chez le chat entraine le développement d'une réaction immunitaire humorale et cellulaire spécifique de ces organismes. Les intradermoréactions à l'aide d'extraits antigéniques de dermatophytes sont un bon moyen d'exploraton de la réponse immunitaire des chats lors de dermatophytle. Zausammenfassung— Um die Immunantwort von Katzen auf die Infektion mit Dermatophyten zu untersuchen, wurden bei zehn gesunden Katzen und fünf Tieren mit vorausgegangener Microsporum canis-Infektion Extrakte von Dermatophyten-Glykoprotein intradermal injiziert. Die Injektionsstellen wurden auf Sofortund Spätreaktionen kontrolliert sowie 24 und 48 Stunden nach der Injektion biopsiert. Alle fünf Katzen mit vorausgegangener Infektion, aber nur zwei der 10 Kontrolltiere zeigten eine positive Sofortreaktion auf M. canis-Antigen. Vier der fünf früher infizierten Katzen und eine der 10 Kontrollkatzen zeigten gleichzeitig Reaktionen auf Tríchophyton rumbrum-Anúgen. Dies legt den Verdacht nahe, daß zwischen diesen Pilzspezies Kreuzreaktionen auf Antigene auftreten. 24 Stunden nach der Injektion zeigten vier der fünf früher infizierten Katzen Spätreaktionen auf M. canis-Antigen an den Injektionsstellen. Entsprechende Hautstellen waren bei alien Kontrolltieren negativ. Das histologische Bild der Spätreaktionen bestand in einer oberflächlichen, perivaskulären Dermatitis mit lymphohistiozytären Zellen, eosinophilen Granulozyten, Mastzellen und neutrophilen Granulozyten. Diese Muster stimmt mit einer Hypersensibilitätsreaktion vom Spättyp auf Pilzantigene überein. Spezialfärbungen erbrachten keinen Hinweis auf eine Hypersensibilität der kutanen basophilen Granulozyten bei diesen Reaktionen. Unsere Befunde deuten en, daß natürlich auftretende Dermatomykosen bei Katzen von der Entwicklung sowohl humoraler als auch zellulärer Immunantworten auf diese Organismen begleitet werden. Intradermale Hauttests mit Dermatophytenantigenen sind ein nützliches Verfahren um die Immunantwort von Katzen auf Dermatomykosen zu untersuchen. Resumen Para estudiar la respuesta inmune de los gatos hacia la infección por dermatofítos, diez gatos sanos y cinco gatos previamente infectados con Microsporum canis fueron inyectados intradérmicamente con extractos de glicoproteina de dermatofito. En los lugares de inyección se observaron las reacciones inmediatas y posteriores y se, realizaron biopsias a los 24 y 48 horas después de la inyección. Tuvieron reacciones positivas inmediatas hacia el antígeno M. canis los cinco gatos prevaimente infectados y uno de los diez “gatos control”. Cuatro de los gatos previamente infectados y uno de los diez “gatos control” tambien reaccionaron ante el antígeno Tríchophyton rubrum, sugeriendo reactividad cruzada, antigénica entre estas especies fúngicas. A los 24 horas después de la inyección, cuatro des los cinco gatos previamente infectados presentaron reacciones posteriores hacia el antígeno M. canis en los lugares de la inyección; los lugares equivalentes en todos los animales control fueron negativos. La aparición histológica de las reacciones posteriores consistía en una dermatitis perivascular superficial, con celulas linfohistiocíticas, eosinofilos, mastocitos y neutrofilos. Este patrón es consistente con una hipersensibilidad de dipo retrasado en respuesta a antígenos fúngicos. Manchas especiales revelaron la no evidencia de hipersensibilidad de basófilos cutaneous en estas reacciones. Nuestros datos sugieron que la dermatofitosis felina producida de forma natural va acompañada del desarrollo de respuestas inmunes humorales y celulares hacía el organismo. La prueba intradérmica con antígenos dermatofítos es útil para investigar la respuestra inmunológica de los gatos hacia dermatofitosis.