Dermatophytosis - Flashcards

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DERMATOPHYTOSIS
WIKIBUGS FLASHCARDS


Ringworm in a dog -Courtesy of Bristol BioMed Image Archive

Dermatophytosis

Question Answer Article
What are dermatophytes also known as?
  • Fungi Imperfecti
  • Phaeohyphomycetes
  • (Commonly called 'ringworm' in practice)
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Which two species of dermatophytes are of particular veterinary interest?
  • Microsporum
  • Trichophton
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Why are dermatophytes usually found in the subcutaneous and cutaneous tissue?
  • Lack of tolerance to body temperature and antifungal activity in serum and body fluids
  • Are able to penetrate all layers of skin however
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What clincial signs are usually present with a dermatophyte infection?
  • Epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation leading to peripheral red 'ringworm'
  • Superficial perivascular dermatitis leading to intracorneal microabscesses
  • furunculosis
  • Pustules in hair follicles cause by secondary invaders leading to alopecia
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How would you diagnose a dermatophyte infection?
  • Clinical sings
  • Wood's Lamp
  • Examine in 10-20% KOH for the presence of hyphae or arthrospores with Lactophenol Cotton Blue to enhance visualisation
  • Sabouraud's Dextrose agar containing cyclohexamide and chloramphenicol at room temperature for a month for culture
  • Culture with Dermatophyte Test Medium (Saubouraud's Dextrose agar with phenol red indicator- medium changes from yellow to red if fungi present)
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How are dermatophytes infections treated?
  • Isolation
  • Griseofulvin
  • Whitfield's ointment (Salicylic and benzoic acid)
  • Aqueous lime sulphur topically for dogs
  • Iodine
  • Antibiotics
  • Natamycin antifungal
  • Imidiazole derivatives
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