Clinical and Microscopic Evaluation of Dermatophytosis in Suspected Feline Cases

The study on dermatophytosis in 100 cats from Basra, Iraq, found that 80 infected cats exhibited alopecia, with circular lesions, broken hairs, and dandruff-like scales. Dermatophytosis was more prevalent in Shirazi Persian cats, males, and those under 9 months old, with lesions commonly appearing on the ears, face, and abdomen. Wood's lamp and microscopic examinations confirmed the presence of dermatophytes, with ectothrix arthroconidia found in 98.6% of cases. The study underscores the zoonotic potential of dermatophytes and highlights the importance of understanding age, sex, and breed-related susceptibilities to manage and prevent infections in feline populations.