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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

A wild South American grey fox found near Santiago, Chile was treated for a skin infection caused by a fungus called Nannizzia gypsea. This is the first time this particular fungus has been documented in foxes, raising concerns about how increasing contact between domestic animals, wildlife, and humans due to urbanization may spread fungal diseases. The fox was successfully treated with topical antifungal cream, and the fungus was found to be susceptible to all tested antifungal medications.

Background

Nannizzia gypsea is a geophilic dermatophyte that causes superficial mycoses in humans and domestic animals including dogs and cats, with occasional reports in wild hedgehogs. Despite reports of fungal infections in foxes worldwide, no mycoses have been previously documented in the South American grey fox (Lycalopex griseus) in Chile. This case highlights the need for understanding fungal diseases in wildlife, particularly given increasing human-wildlife contact.

Objective

To report the first documented case of dermatophytosis caused by Nannizzia gypsea in Lycalopex griseus and to assess antifungal susceptibility of the isolate.

Results

Nannizzia gypsea was identified and confirmed through molecular analysis with >99% sequence identity. The isolate demonstrated susceptibility to all seven antifungals tested including ketoconazole, amphotericin B, fluconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole. Topical 2% ketoconazole cream administered twice daily for 4 weeks resulted in complete remission of lesions with mycological cure achieved 15 days later, with no recurrence at 5-month follow-up.

Conclusion

This represents the first case of Nannizzia gypsea dermatophytosis in Lycalopex griseus and the first case of N. gypsea in any fox species. The authors emphasize the importance of a One Health approach considering the increasing close contact between domestic, wild, and human animals due to urbanization and habitat changes, and the need for continued surveillance and research on dermatophyte dynamics in wildlife.
  • Published in:Medical Mycology Case Reports,
  • Study Type:Case Report,
  • Source: PMID: 40937126, DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2025.100725
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