Molecular Diagnostics and Control of Zoonotic Dermatophytosis: First Detection of Trichophyton Indotineae in a Dog in Africa

This study examined 140 animals (90 dogs and 50 cats) with skin lesions to investigate dermatophytosis, revealing that 52.22% of dogs and 70% of cats tested positive for fungal cultures. The most prevalent isolate was Microsporum canis (60%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (20%), with the first detection of Trichophyton indotineae in Egypt. Younger animals were at a higher risk of infection, and indoor/outdoor housing in cats reduced infection risk. A combination therapy of itraconazole, clotrimazole, supportive treatment, and a dermatophyte vaccine led to the fastest recovery, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to manage dermatophytosis and prevent zoonotic transmission.