Dermatomicoses in the Western Romania – epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic research

In an epidemiological inquiry on 126 dogs and 24 cats, the most frequent dermatomycosis was microsporia. The following fungi species were identified: Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. concentricum, Malassezia pachidermatis, Candida albicans, Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicilium sp. The dermatophytes were identified not only on the animal body, but also on the unsterilized equipment, whereas Malassezia pachidermatis was isolated only on animals. Microsporum had a higher prevalence in Pitbull, Teckel, Rottweiler and German Brac races, and Trichophyton in Boxer and ChowChow races, especially in the 1 – 3 years of age category. In cats, microsporia prevalence was higher in the European race, with a growing trend until 3 years of age, and then it reduces. In cats, the preponderant localization was in descending order: head, neck, ears, and posterior limbs. The symptoms and lesions were allopecia, squamas, crusts, lichenifying, erythema, hyper pigmentation and, less, papule, seborrhea and prurit. In dogs, the lesions were identified especially on anterior limbs, head, thorax and abdomen and rarely on ears, neck, posterior limbs, limbs extremities, dorsal lumbar region and tail. The most frequent lesions were allopecia, squamas and crusts. The solid Sabouraud medium with lacmoid (original), yields comparable results cu those of classic solid Sabouraud medium with phenol red in the identification of the dermatophytes. Allium sativum extract (especially unguent) has antimycotic effects both in natural and in experimental microsporia. The Biocan M vaccine, although does not prevent experimental infection, accelerates the healing and negativation of M. canis in cats.