Research Topic: Zoonotic diseases

Emergence of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa among pet animals: a possible public health risk on the move

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Researchers discovered that a fungus called Rhodotorula mucilaginosa is increasingly infecting pet dogs and cats, particularly in their ears and nasal passages. This yeast was previously thought to be harmless but is now recognized as a disease-causing pathogen that shows resistance to many common antifungal medications. The study raises important concerns about the potential transmission of this infection from pets to their human caregivers, suggesting pet owners should be aware of this emerging health risk.

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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

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A young wild Chilean fox was found with a skin infection caused by a fungus called Nannizzia gypsea, which lives in soil and can infect animals and humans. This is the first time this fungus has been documented in foxes anywhere. Doctors treated the fox with an antifungal cream and it recovered completely. The case highlights how increasing urbanization and contact between domestic pets, wild animals, and humans can spread fungal diseases, emphasizing the need for a coordinated public health approach.

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What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)

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This study examines cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that affects both animals and humans, across Portugal from 2013-2025. Researchers found that about 4.5% of animal samples tested positive for Cryptococcus species, with infections most common in dogs and cats. The infections peaked during summer months and were most prevalent in central Portugal, with different fungal species affecting different animal types. The research emphasizes the importance of coordinated monitoring across animals, humans, and the environment to better understand and control this disease.

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First occurrence of feline sporotrichosis in a metropolitan area of Central-West Brazil

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Researchers in Brazil discovered the first case of a serious fungal infection called sporotrichosis in a domestic cat in the Goiania metropolitan area. The infection was caused by a fungus called Sporothrix brasiliensis, which can spread from cats to humans through scratches and bites. This finding is important because it shows the disease is spreading to new regions of Brazil that previously didn’t have confirmed cases, and suggests residents need to be cautious around stray cats.

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Multilocus sequence typing of Candida albicans isolates from wild and farm animals from southern Italy

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Researchers studied a fungal pathogen called Candida albicans found in farm and wild animals in Italy to understand how it spreads between animals and humans. They used genetic analysis to compare isolates from laying hens, wild boars, and lizards with samples from infected humans around the world. The results showed that animal isolates were genetically similar to human clinical samples, suggesting animals could serve as reservoirs for this infection. This research highlights the importance of monitoring fungal diseases in animal populations as part of understanding disease transmission between animals and people.

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Gastrointestinal Parasites, Ectoparasites, and Fungi in Rabbits Attending Clinical Consultations and from Private Owners and Breeders in Portugal

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This study examined parasites, mites, and fungi found in Portuguese rabbits by testing samples from 72 animals at veterinary clinics and private homes. More than half of the rabbits carried intestinal parasites, most commonly coccidia and Cryptosporidium, though few showed obvious illness. Regular cleaning of rabbit housing and proper deworming with fenbendazole significantly reduced parasite infection rates, highlighting the importance of good hygiene practices.

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