Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Dermatophytosis in a Referral Practice in Italy: A Retrospective Study in Different Feline Breeds.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis is an infectious skin disease caused by fungal organisms collectively known as dermatophytes. In cats, the most commonly isolated dermatophyte is Microsporum canis. Known predisposing factors include young age, long hair coat, lifestyle, warm geographical locations and Persian breed. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of dermatophytosis in cats of different breeds in a dermatological referral practice in Italy over a 9&#x2009;year period, highlighting clinical and breed-related differential features. ANIMALS: 1457 cats of different breeds, 54 of which were affected by dermatophytosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of feline dermatophytosis diagnosed between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2024 were searched. Cases were included based on availability of signalment, clinical presentation and confirmation of diagnosis with positive microscopic examination of hair shafts and/or Wood's lamp examination and positive fungal culture. RESULTS: The prevalence of feline dermatophytosis in our sample was 3.7%, with M. canis identified in all cases. Dermatophytosis was more frequently diagnosed in Persian cats (14 of 66, 21.2%) and Persian-related breeds, including British shorthair (10 of 39, 25.6%), exotic shorthair (two of 22, 9.1%) and Scottish fold (two of 20, 10%). Among Domestic short hair (DSH) cats, the prevalence was 2.1%. Young age was a predisposing factor and in pure-bred kittens contagion most likely occurred at the breeder's facility. Pruritus was reported in 63% of the cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The disease was frequently diagnosed in Persian cats and Persian-related breeds. Cats aged <&#x2009;1&#x2009;year are predisposed. Pruritus is common, regardless of the breed.