Published in: Journal of chemotherapy. 2007; 19(suppl.

3):60-61

ASYMPTOMATIC FUNGAL CARRYING IN ANIMALS AS A MAIN RISK FACTOR FOR

HUMAN DERMATOPHYTIC INFECTION
M.G. Manoyan, R.S. Ovchinnikov, A.N. Panin

FGU “VGNKI”, Moscow, Russian Federation

Synantropic animals play the most important role in epidemiology of human

dermatophytosis. Nowadays it is well-established that zoophilic dermatophytes are dominating in
etiologic pattern instead of antropophilic species. Thus, the control of human dermatophytosis is
impossible without strong veterinary participation.
While the clinically affected animals are well-known source of dermatophytic infection,
the latent (asymptomatic) fungal carriers in most cases are out of medicinal focus. Meanwhile,
the asymptomatic fungal carriers (AFC) play a role as a latent source of infection for humans and
animals, and as a source of environmental fungal contamination.
Dermatophytes can be transmitted to human from companion animals (such as dogs and
cats, carrying Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes), from horses
(carrying M. canis, M. gypseum, T. mentagrophytes), from rodents and ferrets (carrying M. canis,
T. mentagrophytes), from cattle and camels (carrying T. verrucosum, T. mentagrophytes). Thus,
the most part of animal species, surrounding a human, represents a potential risk as a source of
infection. It is notable that the children are more susceptible to infection due to their intensive
contacts with animals.
Fungal transmission between animals can be easily realized, but certain conditions can
rise such possibility, e.g. outside animal keeping; dense keeping (in nurseries etc.); inadequate
hygienic conditions of animal keeping; contacting with wild or homeless animals. Perfect
conditions for fungal transmission are forming during animal show and exhibitions or other
actions accompanied by animal accumulation. In such manner almost all domestic animals have
a risk to be involved in asymptomatic fungal carriage. The high incidence of AFC was clearly
demonstrated in several studies (M. Ali-Stayeh et al., 1988; M. Sympania et al., 1996; K.
Moriello et al., 1991).
In contrast to clinically affected animals, the AFC have no any evident symptoms. Thus
the AFC represent more significant risk for humans than the affected animals. In most cases
animal owners have no any idea about latent fungal carriage in their pets. AFC detection and
treatment represent a significant problem in veterinary practice. Fungal carrying can not be
detected by routine express-methods such as luminescence and direct microscopy. The treatment
strategy of AFC is not well established. In case of clinically-revealed dermatophytosis antifungal
vaccines (such as Microderm, LTF, Equivac) or pharmaceutic antifungals can be applied
successfully, but conformably to AFC such measures are not sufficient for total elimination of
dermatophytes from the animal hair-coat.
It can be concluded that the control of AFC in domestic animals represents a socially-
significant mission. From this point of view the effective order for a wide animal screening
studies is necessary. This problem could be resolved by creating an “animal mycological
certificate” system, as a part of existing system of veterinary examination. Such a system will
allow to confirm mycological safety of the animals basing in laboratory examination.
At the same time procedures for detection, treatment and prophylaxis of AFC should be
optimized and approved for routine usage. Improving of public knowledge in the field of
mycological risk factors is also beneficial.