Changes

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.  

There are certain types of dermatophytes: ''Microsporum'' is zoophilic and so parasites of animals, ''Trichophyton'' is geophilic and inhabits soil but will also parasitise animals. ''Epidermophyton'' is anthropophilic and so is a parasite of people.  

There are certain types of dermatophytes: ''Microsporum'' is zoophilic and so parasitises animals, ''Trichophyton'' is geophilic and inhabits soil but will also parasitise animals. ''Epidermophyton'' is anthropophilic and so is a parasite of people.  

''Microsporum canis'' is the most common dermatophyte to infect small animals and will be the cause of 90% of feline infections and 60% of canine infections. ''Trichophyton mentagrophytes'' affects around 30% of dogs, especially Terrier breeds. ''Trichophyton verrucosum'' causes most cases in cattle and sheep and ''Trichophyton equinum'' is the commonest cause in horses.

''Microsporum canis'' is the most common dermatophyte to infect small animals and will be the cause of 90% of feline infections and 60% of canine infections. ''Trichophyton mentagrophytes'' affects around 30% of dogs, especially Terrier breeds. ''Trichophyton verrucosum'' causes most cases in cattle and sheep and ''Trichophyton equinum'' is the commonest cause in horses.