Isolation of dermatophytes from dogs and cats with suspected dermatophytosis in Western Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the species of dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats and their prevalence in the two big provinces of Western Turkey. A total of 362 animals (198 dogs and 164 cats) with skin lesions (alopecia and desquamation) were examined from March 2006 to February 2008. Of the 362 samples examined, 52 (14.4%) were positive for fungal elements by direct microscopic examination, and 70 (19.3%) were culture positive for dermatophytes. The isolation rates of dermatophyte species from dogs and cats were 18.7% and 20.1%, respectively. Microsporum canis (57.1%) was the most common species isolated from dogs and cats. The prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes was five-fold greater in dogs than in cats (odds ratio=5.226; CI=1.152-23.696). No association was detected between prevalence of infection and provinces, and also sex of dogs and cats. The only risk factor found to be significantly associated with infection was age. Dogs and cats younger than one year of age showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of dermatophytes than other age groups (P<0.05). The isolation rate of dermatophytes was relatively high in the spring and winter for dogs, and in the spring, summer and autumn for cats. However, the association of season and prevalence was found not to be significant.