Bacteria and fungi on the surface and within noninflamed hair follicles of skin biopsy specimens from horses with healthy skin or inflammatory dermatoses

The study assessed the prevalence of bacteria and fungi on the surface and within hair follicles in skin biopsy specimens from 247 horses with inflammatory dermatoses and 27 horses with healthy skin. It found that cocci were present on the surface of 23% of horses with skin disease and 7% of those with healthy skin. Bacterial folliculitis showed a higher prevalence of surface bacteria (57%) compared to other dermatoses. There was a significant link between surface cocci prevalence and epidermal hyperkeratosis. Cocci were found in noninflamed hair follicles in 2% of horses with skin disease and none with healthy skin. Fungal poroconidia were present in 4% of horses with skin disease, while yeasts were not detected.