MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Antifungal susceptibility testing of Microsporum canis isolated from the skin of dermatologically healthy cats

Summary

Researchers found that about 5% of healthy cats in Chile carry a fungal infection called Microsporum canis that can spread to humans. The concerning discovery is that all strains tested were resistant to fluconazole, a commonly used antifungal medication. The study shows that indoor cats are at higher risk of carrying this fungus and suggests that screening healthy cats could help prevent transmission to people who have close contact with them.

Background

Microsporum canis is the most common dermatophyte in companion animals, with cats serving as primary carriers and disseminators to humans and other animals. Although cats are recognized reservoirs for this zoonotic fungus, few studies have determined the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles in healthy, asymptomatic cats, which represents a significant public health concern.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dermatophyte carriage and antifungal susceptibility profiles in healthy cats in Talca, Chile, to better understand the epidemiology and treatment options for subclinical infections.

Results

Six cats (5.3%) were fungal carriers, with M. canis as the only isolated species. All strains were susceptible to clotrimazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, amphotericin B, and nystatin, but showed complete resistance to fluconazole. Indoor confinement was the only epidemiological variable significantly associated with fungal carriage, with indoor cats having a 10.73-fold greater risk.

Conclusion

Microsporum canis prevalence in healthy cats in Talca was 5.3%, with all isolates showing fluconazole resistance. The findings highlight the importance of mycological screening in asymptomatic cats and the need for alternative antifungal agents, particularly given the widespread resistance to fluconazole observed in this population.
  • Published in:Open Veterinary Journal,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional observational study,
  • Source: PMID: 41035972, DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i8.47
Scroll to Top