[Frequency of dermatophytes in a sample of cats in the urban area of Gran Mendoza, Argentina].

BACKGROUND The cat, considered the main reservoir of Microsporum canis, lives in urban areas, and also plays an important role in the emergence of dermatomycoses. AIMS To determine and analyse the frequency of zoonotic dermatophytes in a sample of cats in an urban area of the Gran Mendoza region. METHODS The animals selected were household cats and cats less than one year old that came from shelters and kennels from urban areas in the Gran Mendoza region. A total of 45 samples from cats with and without dermatological lesions were analysed. These samples were collected through skin scraping, hair removal and Mackenzie brush, respectively. Direct observation was made with KOH and glycerol after heat exposure. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud and Lactrimel agar slants with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide for 30 days. RESULTS The frequency of dermatophytes isolated in this preliminary study was 13.3%. There were not statistically significant differences by source, age, sex, race or dermatological condition. Zoonotic dermatophytes were found in 2 household cats out of the 21 that had direct contact with children or the elderly. M. canis was isolated in 83.3% cases. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of isolation of zoonotic dermatophytes in the sample of cats in an urban area of the Gran Mendoza region was 13.3%, a value higher than expected. M. canis was the most isolated species.