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Dermatophytosis in a Chilean fox: first case of Nannizzia gypsea in Lycalopex griseus and the need for a one health approach

Summary

Researchers reported the first case of a fungal skin infection caused by Nannizzia gypsea in a wild South American grey fox found near Santiago, Chile. The fox developed crusted and scaly lesions on its tail, which were successfully treated with topical antifungal cream. This discovery highlights how increasing contact between domestic pets, wild animals, and humans due to urbanization can spread fungal infections, emphasizing the need for integrated health approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health together.

Background

Nannizzia gypsea is a geophilic dermatophyte known to cause infections in humans and domestic animals, but has not been previously reported in wild foxes. The South American grey fox (Lycalopex griseus) is native to Chile and classified as Least Concern, though knowledge of its diseases remains limited.

Objective

To report the first documented case of dermatophytosis caused by N. gypsea in a wild Lycalopex griseus fox and to emphasize the need for a one health approach in managing fungal infections at the human-animal-environment interface.

Results

Nannizzia gypsea was identified and confirmed through DNA sequencing with >99% identity to GenBank sequences. The isolate demonstrated susceptibility to all seven antifungals tested including ketoconazole, amphotericin B, fluconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole. Complete remission was achieved with topical 2% ketoconazole cream administered twice daily for 4 weeks with mycological cure confirmed 15 days post-treatment.

Conclusion

This report documents the first case of N. gypsea-induced dermatophytosis in a wild fox species, highlighting the importance of monitoring fungal infections in wildlife within a one health framework. The increasing contact between domestic, wild, and human populations due to urbanization and land-use change may facilitate transmission of dermatophytes and other infectious agents.
  • Published in:Medical Mycology Case Reports,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40937126, DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2025.100725
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