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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==
[[Image:Microsporum canis lesions.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<small><center><i>Microsporum canis</i> alopecia and scaling lesions (Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive)</center></small>]] [[Image:Ringworm dog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<small><center>Ringworm in a dog (Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive)</center></small>]] [[Image:Trichophyton mentagrophytes dog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|<small><center>Trichophyton mentagrophytes in a dog (Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive)</center></small>]]
Dermatophytes are pigmented, saprophytic organisms called Phaeohyphomycetes and were previously called 'Fungi Imperfecti'. The two main species of veterinary interest are ''Microsporum'' and ''Trichophton ''and these are found worldwide.
Dermatophytes are pigmented, saprophytic organisms called Phaeohyphomycetes and were previously called 'Fungi Imperfecti'. The two main species of veterinary interest are ''Microsporum'' and ''Trichophton ''and these are found worldwide.
They are usually secondary invaders and are able to penetrate all layers of [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]], but are generally restricted to the keratin layer and its appendages. Therefore the condition is most often seen in subcuticular or cutaneous sites. A lack of tolerance to body temperature and antifungal activity in serum and body fluids prevent the fungi invading subcutaneously. Secondary invasion by ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' and ''[[Staphylococcus intermedius]]'' are common and cause pustules in the hair follicles. Epidermal hyperplasia then follows with inflammation.
They are usually secondary invaders and are able to penetrate all layers of [[Skin - Anatomy & Physiology|skin]], but are generally restricted to the keratin layer and its appendages. Therefore the condition is most often seen in subcuticular or cutaneous sites. A lack of tolerance to body temperature and antifungal activity in serum and body fluids prevent the fungi invading subcutaneously. Secondary invasion by ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' and ''Staphylococcus intermedius'' are common and cause pustules in the hair follicles. Epidermal hyperplasia then follows with inflammation.
Dermatophytes are transmitted by direct or indirect contact e.g. on brushes, fomites etc. Signs vary in severity, but immunocompromised hosts may develop systemic infections.
Dermatophytes are transmitted by direct or indirect contact e.g. on brushes, fomites etc. Signs vary in severity, but immunocompromised hosts may develop systemic infections.
Image:Microsporum equinum.jpg|<center><p>'''Microsporum equinum'''</p><sup>Copyright Professor Andrew N. Rycroft, BSc, PHD, C. Biol.F.I.Biol., FRCPath</sup></center></gallery>
Image:Microsporum equinum.jpg|<center><p>'''Microsporum equinum'''</p><sup>Copyright Professor Andrew N. Rycroft, BSc, PHD, C. Biol.F.I.Biol., FRCPath</sup></center></gallery>
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== Test yourself with the Dermatophytosis Flashcards ==
== Test yourself with the Dermatophytosis Flashcards ==
[[Dermatophytosis - Flashcards|Dermatophytosis Flashcards]]
[[Dermatophytosis - Flashcards|Dermatophytosis Flashcards]]
== References ==
== References ==