Dermatophytes are highly contagious. Infection is direct or indirect. Favourable factors are, for example, immunosuppression, reduced immune response (e.g. high age) or previous damage of the skin (e.g. by ectoparasites). Moreover, spores as form of propagation can remain infectious in the environment for years.

The clinical signs are diverse and dependent on the virulence of the fungal strain, the infection period and the immune status of the host. Typical patchy alopecia may appear on the face, ears and front legs. Pruritus may be missing or may range from mild to severe.

In case of skin diseases, dermatophytosis must always be considered in the differential diagnosis.Especially guinea pigs from pet shops are (asymptomatic) carriers of Trichophyton benhamiae in 90% of the cases. Most zoonotically transmitted dermatophytoses in humans are now caused by this pathogen. Before introducing guinea pigs into a household, particularly if there are children or immunocompromised persons, the animals should be examined for dermatophytes.

PCR

Dermotophyte PCR test is now available at LABOKLIN providing results within 1-2 weeks days versus 2-4 weeks using conventional fungal culture. The test detects the most common Dermatophytes, including:

• Microsporum canis
• Nannizzia gypsea (formerly: Microsporum gypseum)
• Nannizzia persicolor (formerly: Microsporum persicolor)
• Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes
• Arthroderm benhamiae
• T. benhamiae
• T. equinum
• T. verrucosum
• T. erinacei.
• Nannizziopsis guarroi (Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii complex (CANV) / Yello Fungal Disease in reptiles including bearded dragon)

Differentiation of the most common dermatophyte species can be conducted on request. Differentiation will cost an additional charge that is equal to the cost of the Dermatophytes PCR test.

Please note that PCR is not suited for therapy monitoring (dead dermatophytes are detected as well).

Sensitivity: 85%
Sepcificity: 100%