Research Keyword: Microsporum canis

Three cases of easy to be misdiagnosed tinea of vellus hair

This case report describes three patients (ages 2-24) who had skin infections caused by a fungus called Microsporum canis that initially was misdiagnosed as eczema or other simple skin conditions. The infections involved fine vellus hair and required prolonged combined treatment with both oral and topical antifungal medications to fully resolve. The key lesson is that proper fungal testing and extended treatment similar to scalp ringworm protocols are necessary for treating these easily-missed infections.

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Wildlife Dermatophytoses in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche Regions): A Fifteen-Year Investigation (2010–2024)

Researchers studied fungal skin infections in wild animals across two Italian regions over 15 years, finding that about 11% carried dermatophyte fungi. Grey squirrels were most commonly infected, and some of these fungi can spread to humans through contact. The study highlights how wild animals act as sentinels for emerging diseases and emphasizes the importance of protective equipment when handling wildlife.

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

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.

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Single-center retrospective analysis of 454 culture-positive patients with tinea capitis and measurement of pathogens regarding thermal tolerance at 37°C

Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection that primarily affects children but can also occur in adults, especially postmenopausal women. This study of 454 patients in Hangzhou, China found that the most common cause is Microsporum canis (a fungus from cats and dogs), representing a shift from previous decades when different fungi were dominant. Researchers tested how well these fungi grow at human body temperature (37°C) versus room temperature, finding that most fungi adapt well to the warmer temperature, particularly Nannizzia gypsea, which grew equally well at both temperatures. Treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole, sometimes combined with topical treatments or steroids for inflammatory cases.

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Coexistence of Malassezia Species and Microsporum canis in the Lesions of Adult with Tinea Capitis

A 60-year-old woman developed unusual hair loss and rash on her scalp that looked like dandruff. Tests revealed three types of fungi, including Microsporum canis (usually found in animals) and two types of Malassezia yeast. Treatment with antifungal medications for three months cleared the infection. Laboratory experiments showed that the yeast species may actually help the fungus grow better, which could explain why adults sometimes get scalp fungal infections differently than children.

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Coexistence of Malassezia Species and Microsporum canis in the Lesions of Adult with Tinea Capitis

A 60-year-old woman developed unusual hair loss and scalp inflammation that looked like dandruff but was actually a fungal infection caused by multiple fungi working together. Doctors found three different fungi in her scalp samples: one dermatophyte and two Malassezia species. Lab experiments showed that the Malassezia fungi actually helped the main disease-causing fungus grow better, which explains why the condition looked different from typical cases. After three months of antifungal medication, her symptoms cleared and her hair grew back.

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

Researchers tested healthy cats in Chile and found that about 5% carried a fungus called Microsporum canis that can cause ringworm. This fungus was resistant to a common antifungal drug called fluconazole. Indoor cats were more likely to carry the fungus than outdoor cats. Because cats can spread this fungus to people, identifying carrier cats is important for preventing human infections.

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Tinea genitalis profunda caused by Microsporum canis: A case report and literature review

A 23-year-old woman developed a severe fungal infection in the genital area caused by a fungus normally found on dogs. Her initial antibiotic treatment failed because the infection was actually fungal, not bacterial. After diagnosis through fungal culture, she was successfully treated with antifungal medications, though the infection left some scarring and discoloration. This case highlights how genital fungal infections can be difficult to diagnose because they look similar to bacterial infections.

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Epidemiological profile of dermatophytes at the parasitology-mycology laboratory at Mohammed VI University Hospital in Oujda

This study examined fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes in a Moroccan hospital over four years, analyzing 950 samples. The researchers found that nail infections (onychomycosis) were most common, particularly in people over 50 years old, while scalp infections mainly affected children. The fungus Trichophyton rubrum was responsible for most infections, though Microsporum canis increasingly caused scalp infections, likely due to increased pet ownership in Morocco. The study emphasizes the importance of proper laboratory testing to identify the specific fungus and choose appropriate treatment.

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